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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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
There wasn’t a single reason why their love soured. Elizabeth Ayoola, Essence, 21 Apr. 2025 Consumer sentiment is also souring, and the president’s approval rating on the economy is slipping despite a resilient economy and falling inflation. Laurent Belsie, Christian Science Monitor, 16 Apr. 2025
Adjective
The vape smells like a mojito that’s gone a bit sour. Nicholas Florko, The Atlantic, 30 Apr. 2025 The hit of spice and sour shifts the fruit's flavor, too, the same way salt does. Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 26 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for sour
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sour
Verb
  • Any effort to rename the body of water would likely deeply anger Iran, which was historically called Persia, and perhaps other Middle Eastern states as well.
    Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News, 7 May 2025
  • The English-for-truckers push has particularly angered me, though.
    Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 7 May 2025
Adjective
  • Some also claim that tomatoes turn out sweeter in less acidic soil, though the sugar content of a tomato may have more to do with that.
    Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 16 May 2025
  • Prep the Soil Watermelons are heavy feeders that need full sun, well-draining and slightly acidic soil, and lots of nutrients to grow.
    Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 May 2025
Adjective
  • Daily use by adolescents and adults can result in another unpleasant side effect: uncontrollable vomiting, according to a 2021 study.
    Sandee LaMotte, CNN Money, 5 May 2025
  • Vivian Yin’s will contains an unpleasant surprise for her daughters.
    Ilana Masad, Los Angeles Times, 2 May 2025
Adjective
  • All these attacks are unacceptable, and this isn't just an American problem.
    Mandalit del Barco, NPR, 13 May 2025
  • That should be unacceptable to American negotiators.
    Benjamin Weinthal, FOXNews.com, 12 May 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
  • Also, eating large quantities of food can lead to increase acid production and acid reflux.
    Hannah Yasharoff, USA Today, 19 Apr. 2025
  • Gastrointestinal Symptoms Fish oil may stimulate acid production in the stomach, which can cause heartburn or indigestion—especially if taken on an empty stomach.
    Amy Brownstein, MS, RDN, Verywell Health, 7 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The harmony of flavors—including sweet tomatoes and cider, bitter radishes, spicy greens, umami Parmesan, and salty finishing flakes—kept me going back for bite after bite.
    Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 May 2025
  • There is no sign of major disputes being resolved, including a bitter dispute with New York-area lawmakers over raising the cap on deducting state and local taxes, or SALT.
    Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News, 9 May 2025
Adjective
  • Ship was heading the wrong direction The training ship arrived at New York's Pier 17 and was open to the public to visit from May 13 to 17, according to the Mexican Consulate in New York.
    N'dea Yancey-Bragg, USA Today, 19 May 2025
  • The Final Destination: The NASCAR incident The opening disaster of The Final Destination is a NASCAR race gone horribly wrong.
    Keith Langston, People.com, 18 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Sour.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sour. Accessed 21 May. 2025.

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