acrimony

[ak-ruh-moh-nee]

noun

1. sharpness, harshness, or bitterness of nature, speech, disposition, etc..

   The speaker attacked him with great acrimony.

   Synonyms: spite, asperity, spitefulness, animosity, bitterness
   Antonyms: politeness, kindness, civility, goodwill

acrimony

/ ˈækrɪmənɪ /

noun

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of acrimony¹

First recorded in 1535–45; from Latin ācrimōnia, from ācri-, stem of ācer “sharp, sour” + -mōnia -mony

Word History and Origins

Origin of acrimony¹

C16: from Latin ācrimōnia, from ācer sharp, sour

Example Sentences

The Italian Grand Prix threw up the sort of situation that in many - if not most - cases in F1 would be expected to generate acrimony.

From BBC

But, even then, what promised to be the start of a new golden era ended in acrimony.

From BBC

In a world of acrimony, filled with the gasoline of fear and hatred, his words are sparks.

From Salon

Despite a long history of musical and personal acrimony within the group, the Police reunited for a lucrative reunion tour in 2007.

From Los Angeles Times

Instead, Spinal Tap have enjoyed many afterlives, occasionally reuniting before dissolving into acrimony once again.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• animosity 
• antagonism 
• belligerence 
• bitterness 
• ill feeling 
• ill will 
• rancor