resentment

noun

re·​sent·​ment ri-ˈzent-mənt 

: a feeling of indignant displeasure or persistent ill will at something regarded as a wrong, insult, or injury

Synonyms

• down [chiefly British]
• grievance
• grudge
• score

Choose the Right Synonym for resentment

offense, resentment, umbrage, pique, dudgeon, huff mean an emotional response to or an emotional state resulting from a slight or indignity.

offense implies hurt displeasure.

takes deep offense at racial slurs

resentment suggests lasting indignation or ill will.

harbored a lifelong resentment of his brother

umbrage may suggest hurt pride, resentment, or suspicion of another's motives.

took umbrage at the offer of advice

pique applies to a transient feeling of wounded vanity.

in a pique I foolishly declined the invitation

dudgeon suggests an angry fit of indignation.

stormed out of the meeting in high dudgeon

huff implies a peevish short-lived spell of anger usually at a petty cause.

in a huff he slammed the door

Examples of resentment in a Sentence

She bore bitter feelings of resentment toward her ex-husband.

He's filled with resentment at his boss.

He expressed his resentment of the new policies.

Recent Examples on the Web

By reading out Musk's words, the students' lawyers are attempting to show that Musk harbors a deep resentment of federal employees, especially in the Department of Education. —Justin Gest, Newsweek, 11 Feb. 2025

Naturally, each group’s facade hides a festering wound, from brewing scandal to simmering resentment to formative trauma. —Alison Herman, Variety, 11 Feb. 2025

Noah, Dan, Margot and Eliza keep secrets and nurse resentments. —Manuel Betancourt, Los Angeles Times, 11 Feb. 2025

Each man feels insulted and slighted by the other; both have cause for resentment. —Rachel Hadas, The Conversation, 5 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1619, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

resentment

noun

re·​sent·​ment ri-ˈzent-mənt 

: a feeling of angry displeasure at something regarded as a wrong, insult, or injury