resentful

adjective

re·​sent·​ful ri-ˈzent-fəl 

1

: full of resentment : inclined to resent

felt resentful of her success

2

: caused or marked by resentment

resentful anger

resentfully

ri-ˈzent-fə-lē 

adverb

resentfulness noun

Synonyms

• acrid
• acrimonious
• bitter
• embittered
• hard
• rancorous
• sore

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

Sometimes there's also a lack of support—if partners or family members don’t share the mental load, new moms can feel isolated, unappreciated, or resentful, worsening feelings of depression. —Hannah Nwoko, Parents, 1 May 2025

Lesser powers that find themselves under the dominion of a great power against their wishes can be resentful and rebellious. —Margaret MacMillan, The Atlantic, 30 Apr. 2025

This is why a Nebraska farmer, paying taxes to subsidize Harvard, might become resentful. —Matthew Scogin, Forbes.com, 28 Apr. 2025

Hot-tempered, alcoholic, rootless and resentful, Elmer just can’t find his place as a plumber or miner. —Frank Rizzo, Variety, 27 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1656, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for resentful

• eventful
• uneventful

Kids Definition

resentful

adjective

re·​sent·​ful ri-ˈzent-fəl 

1

: full of resentment

felt resentful of her success

2

: caused or marked by resentment

a resentful reply to a letter

resentfully

-fə-lē 

adverb

resentfulness noun