adjective

acrimonious

/əˈkrɪmoʊniəs/ · say it: uh·KRIM·uh·nee·uhs

angry and bitter, as in a dispute

In From the Front Page

In more detail

1. (adjective) bitter, angry, and unkind; showing strong negative feelings

2. (adjective) having a sharp, unpleasant taste or smell

Examples

1. The two neighbors had an acrimonious dispute over the property line.
2. The acrimonious smell of the chemicals filled the room.

How to use acrimonious

Acrimonious typically describes interactions, exchanges, or atmospheres that are characterized by anger and bitterness, often in formal or serious contexts like legal disputes, political debates, or interpersonal conflicts. While the second meaning (sharp taste/smell) exists, it is rarely used in modern English; the emotional sense dominates contemporary usage. It is more emphatic and literary than simple words like angry or bitter.

Common phrases

acrimonious dispute
acrimonious debate
acrimonious tone
acrimonious remarks
acrimonious relationship

Synonyms

bitter · acerbic · caustic · vitriolic · hostile

Opposites

cordial · amicable · benevolent

Word family

acrimony (noun) · acrimoniously (adverb)

A common mistake

Learners sometimes use acrimonious to describe a single person's feelings rather than the quality of an interaction or exchange; it is primarily used for the tone or nature of a relationship or discussion, not for describing someone's individual emotional state.

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