acrimonious

[ak-ruh-moh-nee-uhs]

adjective

1. caustic, stinging, or bitter in nature, speech, behavior, etc..

   an acrimonious answer; an acrimonious dispute.

acrimonious

/ ˌækrɪˈməʊnɪəs /

adjective

1. characterized by bitterness or sharpness of manner, speech, temper, etc

Other Word Forms

• acrimoniousness noun
• acrimoniously adverb
• unacrimonious adjective
• unacrimoniously adverb
• unacrimoniousness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of acrimonious¹

From the Medieval Latin word ācrimōniōsus, dating back to 1605–15. See acrimony, -ous

Example Sentences

"I didn't think it was a good look," said Purslow, when asked about the way Isak agitated for his record-breaking transfer to Liverpool after an acrimonious split was finally concluded on deadline day.

From BBC

The Fed and Snyder engaged in increasingly acrimonious meetings, after one of which the White House issued a communique that falsely stated that the Fed had agreed to follow the administration’s demands.

From Los Angeles Times

The sit-down turned acrimonious, with the Chinese accusing the Americans of "condescension and hypocrisy".

From BBC

With the clock ticking, the dispute turned acrimonious when the BMA announced its first strike under Labour would go ahead.

From BBC

Teller’s explanation was likely self-serving given his later acrimonious rift with Oppenheimer over the hydrogen bomb.

From Salon

Related Words

• belligerent 
• bitter 
• caustic 
• petulant 
• rancorous 
• testy