as in to anger
to cause to change from friendly or loving to unfriendly or uncaring
a misunderstanding that soured their relationship for a long time
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
as in unpleasant
not giving pleasure to the mind or senses
you'll have to face up to the sour truth of the matter
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Michael Saponara, Billboard, 22 May 2025
May 14, 2025 Last season was marked by internal drama over Mitchell’s contract status and the disconnect between Bickerstaff and Mitchell that was souring the mood in the locker room.
—Joe Vardon, New York Times, 14 May 2025
Elise Taylor, Vogue, 23 May 2025
The Kansas City Royals were left with a sour taste after dropping a three-game series to the Boston Red Sox last weekend.
—Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 13 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for sour
Verb
Yeezy and Playboi Carti’s relationship soured earlier this year when the Atlanta rapper left Ye off his Music album and opted to invite guests including Travis Scott and Kendrick Lamar into the fold.
—Michael Saponara, Billboard, 22 May 2025
May 14, 2025 Last season was marked by internal drama over Mitchell’s contract status and the disconnect between Bickerstaff and Mitchell that was souring the mood in the locker room.
—Joe Vardon, New York Times, 14 May 2025
Adjective
Bonbon The Swedish candy shop will open just off Main Street in Sag Harbor, surely delighting kids—and parents—of all ages with their sour gummy candies and marshmallows.
—Elise Taylor, Vogue, 23 May 2025
The Kansas City Royals were left with a sour taste after dropping a three-game series to the Boston Red Sox last weekend.
—Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 13 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for sour
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sour
Verb
-
The move, which the governor said was necessary to increase collaboration and mentorship among civil servants, angered state workers and the labor groups representing them.—
William Melhado,
Sacbee.com,
4 June 2025
-
Additionally, reports had indicated that President Xi was angered over the transaction since Hutchison did not ask for approval of the deal in advance.—
Glenn Taylor,
Sourcing Journal,
3 June 2025
Adjective
-
Part sun Soil Type: Organic, medium moisture, well-draining Soil pH: Slightly acidic (5.5-7.5) USDA Hardiness Zones: 8 to 11 A most unique agapanthus with variegated foliage and lilac blooms, 'Neverland' thrives in the heat and humidity of Southern gardens.—
Kim Toscano,
Southern Living,
6 June 2025
-
To balance their intensity, Wegman recommended using acidic ingredients like lemon or garlic.—
Helen Carefoot,
Verywell Health,
6 June 2025
Adjective
-
Castillo’s short novel is a giddy character study of an unpleasant young male type.—
Jasmine Vojdani,
Vulture,
2 June 2025
-
To neutralize unpleasant smells, add a few pots of aromatic herbs, like rosemary and lavender.—
The Washington Post,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
31 May 2025
Adjective
-
And sometimes the soldiers can do things which are totally unacceptable and can be called crimes.—
Isaac Chotiner,
New Yorker,
6 June 2025
-
Tools that pose an unacceptable threat to rights or safety are banned outright.—
Dan Fitzpatrick,
Forbes.com,
5 June 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
-
For years, India had no dedicated laws addressing acid violence, leaving survivors isolated and facing overwhelming physical, emotional, and economic challenges.—
Iona Brannon,
AFAR Media,
6 May 2025
-
Azaleas do like an acid soil and grow best when the soil acidity is in the pH range of 4.5 to 5.5.—
Tom MacCubbin,
The Orlando Sentinel,
24 May 2025
Adjective
-
Like every other entrepreneur, Ian had to face bitter betrayal from people who once believed in his vision.—
Jason Phillips,
USA Today,
4 June 2025
-
Right after that, Kansas will face bitter rival Missouri at T-Mobile Center in Kansas City on Dec. 7.—
Shreyas Laddha,
Kansas City Star,
4 June 2025
Adjective
-
And then what happens when taxpayers are given the wrong answer?—
Tax Notes Staff,
Forbes.com,
10 June 2025
-
For HBCUs, the moment is reminiscent of the era decades ago when Black colleges were compelled to argue that school segregation was wrong but also needed to maintain government support for their institutions, said Marybeth Gasman, a Rutgers University professor who has studied the history of HBCUs.—
Cheyanne Mumphrey,
Los Angeles Times,
9 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Sour.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sour. Accessed 17 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share