sour 1 of 2

1
as in acidic
causing or characterized by the one of the four basic taste sensations that is produced chiefly by acids the sour candy made our mouths all wrinkly inside

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2
3
as in unacceptable
falling short of a standard things started off well, but now it's all gone sour

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of sour
Verb
But the good-neighbor vibe is starting to sour as Colombia frets about river access. John Otis, NPR, 7 Sep. 2025 Republican senators’ views of Kennedy are souring compared to when almost the entire GOP conference voted to confirm him in February. Alexander Bolton, The Hill, 5 Sep. 2025
Adjective
But her special day turns sour when family disagreements about her future take center stage. Billie Melissa, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Sep. 2025 In the Russian version featured here — a perennial favorite with my family — brisket is marinated in lemon juice, which tenderizes it and provides the sour backdrop for the sweet and tangy chili sauce that comes later. Judy Bart Kancigor, Oc Register, 11 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for sour
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sour
Verb
  • However, sharp spending cuts have angered many, while corruption allegations against senior officials have dented his party’s odds ahead of next month’s vote, which could determine the future of Milei’s presidency.
    Jeronimo Gonzalez, semafor.com, 10 Sep. 2025
  • Lawyers at Walsh Gallegos coordinated two releases of emails and other documents on behalf of the school board, but CNN reported how gaping holes remained, surprising and angering board members.
    Shimon Prokupecz, CNN Money, 9 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Use fertile, moist, slightly acidic soil that’s well-draining, and amend it with compost or other organic matter.
    Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 9 Sep. 2025
  • Never use any acidic material on copper sinks.
    BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 5 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Increase your fiber intake slowly and drink plenty of water to reduce unpleasant side effects like cramping and bloating.
    Courtney Southwick, Health, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Any unpleasant government decision—such as the August order blocking voice calls on WhatsApp and Telegram, on the pretext of preventing scams and terrorist activity—tends to be perceived mostly with passive discontent and immediate adaptation with the search for alternative practical solutions.
    ANDREI KOLESNIKOV, Foreign Affairs, 8 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • This vile, heartless remark is completely unacceptable—especially from someone entrusted with our children.
    Amy DeLaura, The Washington Examiner, 12 Sep. 2025
  • What constitutes an unacceptable season for the Yankees these days, and how much does Boone bear responsibility when the team doesn't perform up to those standards?
    Jackson Roberts, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • In ever more apocalyptic language, Trump has sought to unify his MAGA movement with strongman pledges to defend Americans from millions of hostile foreigners seeking to storm the country and to root out enemy aliens within.
    Julia Preston, Foreign Affairs, 25 Oct. 2024
  • The film follows a ragtag group of actors (played by Tim Allen, Sigourney Weaver, Alan Rickman, among other stars) from an ‘80s sci-fi series who aliens unexpectedly abduct during a convention appearance.
    Matt Juul, BostonGlobe.com, 7 July 2023
Adjective
  • This touchscreen pod machine has a lot to offer, including rich, balanced, coffee; a whopping eight brewing sizes; one-touch presets for low-acid, Americano, iced coffee, and cold brew; plus customizable temperature control and brew strength.
    Mark Marino, Bon Appetit Magazine, 29 Aug. 2025
  • How does the new silver extraction method work The technology, known as Jet Electrochemical Silver Extraction (JESE), uses a fine stream of weak acid to dissolve silver directly from the panel surface in seconds—the acid stream targets only the silver, leaving everything else untouched.
    Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 15 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Parsley is a biennial that quickly bolts and dies the second year, and since second-year parsley is bitter, it’s typically grown as an annual.
    Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 14 Sep. 2025
  • Whenever these bitter rivals have met in recent years, there has never been a shortage of offense.
    Brendan Connelly, Boston Herald, 13 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Using the wrong type of cleaning product for your tub's material can result in scratches, discoloration, or chips.
    Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 14 Sep. 2025
  • Scotsman Robert MacIntyre was pleased to have made the cut with a birdie on the last on Friday evening but when a rare second cut was made to shorten the field for the final day, the 29-year-old from Oban was on the wrong side of the line when finishing 2 under par.
    Caoimhe O'Neill, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Sour.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sour. Accessed 16 Sep. 2025.

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