resentful

adjective

re·​sent·​ful ri-ˈzent-fəl How to pronounce resentful (audio)
1
: full of resentment : inclined to resent
She felt resentful about being demoted.
2
: caused or marked by resentment
resentful anger
resentfully adverb
resentfulness noun

Examples of resentful in a Sentence

She is resentful about being demoted. She gave me a resentful glare. a resentful letter to the editor
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Tessa is more resentful, blaming Nathan’s leadership to the bitter end. Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 28 Oct. 2025 The story revolves around a famous film director and his pianist wife, who are held hostage by a resentful background actor. Katie Rife, Entertainment Weekly, 28 Oct. 2025 Angry, resentful and financially struggling, the family ends up unleashing their rage and hunger on innocent victims. Keith Langston, PEOPLE, 25 Oct. 2025 The book hinges on a conflict between self-righteous Burghers, who live in cities, and resentful, paranoid rural people known as Yeomen. Michelle Goldberg, Mercury News, 23 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for resentful

Word History

First Known Use

1656, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of resentful was in 1656

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Resentful.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/resentful. Accessed 8 Nov. 2025.

Kids Definition

resentful

adjective
re·​sent·​ful ri-ˈzent-fəl How to pronounce resentful (audio)
1
: full of resentment
felt resentful of her success
2
: caused or marked by resentment
a resentful reply to a letter
resentfully adverb
resentfulness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on resentful

Last Updated: - Definition revised
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