as in abusive
marked by harsh insulting language
braced himself for another vitriolic dressing-down by his perennially displeased father
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 vitriolic
To attend an Old Firm fixture, as the rivalry is known, is to understand the frenetic, vitriolic, passionate and sometimes poisonous world of football in Glasgow.
—
The Athletic Staff, New York Times, 15 Feb. 2026
When the San Francisco Chronicle axed its stand-alone books section, in 2001, the paper’s editors were overwhelmed by an ensuing crush of vitriolic mail.
—Becca Rothfeld, New Yorker, 10 Feb. 2026
In the live chat of viewers following along, the commentary ranged from appreciative to vitriolic.
—Dan Adler, Vanity Fair, 2 Feb. 2026
Advertisement Indeed, few of today’s comments about Washington and slavery are more vitriolic than the criticisms levied by his nineteenth-century critics.
—John Garrison Marks, Time, 23 Jan. 2026
The anonymous force behind Signal 99 – the Facebook, Instagram and X pages known for vitriolic posts often mocking area Democrats – is no longer a mystery.
—Scott Wartman, Cincinnati Enquirer, 16 Dec. 2025
Trump posted about the tragic news on Monday morning, upsetting many with his vitriolic reaction to Rob's death, in particular.
—Meredith Kile, PEOPLE, 15 Dec. 2025
The travel advisory follows official protest from both sides related to the incident – with each country summoning the other’s ambassador – and a surge of vitriolic backlash against Takaichi from within China, where nationalist, anti-Japanese sentiment has been on the rise in recent years.
—Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 15 Nov. 2025
At his own campaign closing event on Wednesday, a baying crowd was whipped up by Kaiser's vitriolic anti-communism and attacks on progressive values.
—NPR, 14 Nov. 2025
The Athletic Staff, New York Times, 15 Feb. 2026
When the San Francisco Chronicle axed its stand-alone books section, in 2001, the paper’s editors were overwhelmed by an ensuing crush of vitriolic mail.
—Becca Rothfeld, New Yorker, 10 Feb. 2026
In the live chat of viewers following along, the commentary ranged from appreciative to vitriolic.
—Dan Adler, Vanity Fair, 2 Feb. 2026
Advertisement Indeed, few of today’s comments about Washington and slavery are more vitriolic than the criticisms levied by his nineteenth-century critics.
—John Garrison Marks, Time, 23 Jan. 2026
The anonymous force behind Signal 99 – the Facebook, Instagram and X pages known for vitriolic posts often mocking area Democrats – is no longer a mystery.
—Scott Wartman, Cincinnati Enquirer, 16 Dec. 2025
Trump posted about the tragic news on Monday morning, upsetting many with his vitriolic reaction to Rob's death, in particular.
—Meredith Kile, PEOPLE, 15 Dec. 2025
The travel advisory follows official protest from both sides related to the incident – with each country summoning the other’s ambassador – and a surge of vitriolic backlash against Takaichi from within China, where nationalist, anti-Japanese sentiment has been on the rise in recent years.
—Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 15 Nov. 2025
At his own campaign closing event on Wednesday, a baying crowd was whipped up by Kaiser's vitriolic anti-communism and attacks on progressive values.
—NPR, 14 Nov. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vitriolic
Adjective
-
The allegations against Washington detailed in the emails, which include an incident that one service provider described as abusive, do not appear to illustrate criminal behavior and he has not been charged with any crimes related to the investigation.—
Kacen Bayless,
Kansas City Star,
24 Mar. 2026
-
Robert and Michael Bever had killed their parents, who a surviving sister testified were not physically abusive, and three younger siblings.—
Pamela Colloff,
ProPublica,
24 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
While their insulting jabs at each other make for good laughs, their arc as teammates learning to work together is what gives the film its heart.—
Glenn Garner,
Deadline,
13 Mar. 2026
-
Prestianni, who has denied racially insulting Vinícius and has been defended by Benfica, was provisionally suspended for one match by UEFA and did not play in the second leg.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
1 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
The fact that the administration, and our secretary of state and the president tried to blame Israel is outrageous, cowardly and dangerous.—
Jim DeFede,
CBS News,
22 Mar. 2026
-
Four large porcini ravioli for $40 is pretty outrageous — that’s seriously $10 per.—
Jess Fleming,
Twin Cities,
19 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
David smells an opportunity but completely misreads Hale, a vicious and vituperative man who delights in tormenting lesser writers.—
Stuart Miller,
Oc Register,
9 Feb. 2026
-
But, in private, Koren could be aggressive and vituperative—a competitive colleague who sought to destroy the reputations and careers of those who crossed him.—
Ben Taub,
New Yorker,
26 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Lauren Elliott, though, was a designer at Broderbund Games, working in a former liquor store beneath a sign that said DEPARTMENT OF REDUNDANCY REDUCTION DEPARTMENT alongside an impish ex-Disney animator named Gene Portwood who often doodled Mickey Mouse in obscene poses.—
Eric Boodman,
Vulture,
25 Mar. 2026
-
Using obscene or abusive language Any use of profanity, insults or abusive language is prohibited under the FDCPA.—
Angelica Leicht,
CBS News,
17 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Vitriolic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vitriolic. Accessed 30 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
