acrimony

noun

ac·​ri·​mo·​ny ˈa-krə-ˌmō-nē How to pronounce acrimony (audio)
plural acrimonies
: anger and bitterness : harsh or biting sharpness especially of words, manner, or feelings
The dispute continued with increased acrimony.

Examples of acrimony in a Sentence

The dispute began again with increased acrimony. she responded with such acrimony that he never brought the subject up again
Recent Examples on the Web While tension between prosecutors and agents during an investigation are routine, this case had taken on an intense level of acrimony due to the potential defendant: former President Donald Trump. Kaylah Jackson, NBC News, 3 Sep. 2024 Given the level of acrimony between Israel and the UN, the Israeli government is unlikely to accept a mission that is run fully by the UN. Jonathan Lincoln, Foreign Affairs, 4 Sep. 2024 The acrimony between his parents continued long after their initial split, with Christian often put in the middle of unusually difficult situations. Julie Tremaine, Peoplemag, 11 Aug. 2024 Key Republican races The acrimony in the GOP primary in eastern Arizona's LD7 has elevated the race beyond the rural district's boundaries. Mary Jo Pitzl, The Arizona Republic, 30 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for acrimony 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'acrimony.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Middle French & Latin; Middle French acrimonie, borrowed from Latin ācrimōnia, from ācr-, ācer "sharp, biting, keen" + -mōnia, suffix of abstract nouns (going back to the Indo-European noun-forming suffix *-mĕ̄n-/*-mŏ̄n- + the abstract noun formative *-i-) — more at acr-

First Known Use

1542, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of acrimony was in 1542

Dictionary Entries Near acrimony

Cite this Entry

“Acrimony.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/acrimony. Accessed 30 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

acrimony

noun
ac·​ri·​mo·​ny ˈak-rə-ˌmō-nē How to pronounce acrimony (audio)
plural acrimonies
: harsh or biting sharpness especially of words, manner, or disposition
acrimonious
ˌak-rə-ˈmō-nē-əs
adjective
acrimoniously adverb
acrimoniousness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on acrimony

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