vitriol
noun
vit·ri·ol
ˈvi-trē-əl 
1
: bitterly harsh or caustic language or criticism
political commentators spewing angry vitriol
Rumor has always played a role in politics, but rarely have the backstage operatives been so adroit, and so cynical, in their use of vitriol.—
Walter Shapiro
Walter ShapiroCascades of multisyllabic vitriol engulf us as Conrad communicates his utter loathing of television …—Stanley Marcus
Stanley Marcus2
a
: a sulfate of any of various metals (such as copper, iron, or zinc)
especially
: a glassy hydrate of such a sulfate
b
Synonyms
Examples of vitriol in a Sentence
His speech was full of political vitriol.
a film critic noted for the vitriol and sometimes outright cruelty of his pronouncements
Recent Examples on the Web
The remarks, combined with Trump’s rant about diversity initiatives in the air traffic controller ranks, only added to social media speculation, misinformation and vitriol about the makeup of the Black Hawk crew.
—Lolita C. Baldor, Chicago Tribune, 2 Feb. 2025
But this is what gave me pause: The vitriol from other skiers and riders on social media the week prior to my visit to Attitash Mountain Resort was – and this is an opinion piece so just hear me out – worrisome.
—Moira McCarthy, Boston Herald, 29 Jan. 2025
There has been no shortage of baseball fans on social media who have directed vitriol at the Dodgers for their flurry of moves.
—Justice Delos Santos, The Mercury News, 26 Jan. 2025
Tense relations with the White House only getting tenser
Of late, the already high level of vitriol between President Trump and Newsom has amped things up between the federal and state governments over the topic of water.
—Elizabeth Weise, USA TODAY, 24 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for vitriol 
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Lolita C. Baldor, Chicago Tribune, 2 Feb. 2025
But this is what gave me pause: The vitriol from other skiers and riders on social media the week prior to my visit to Attitash Mountain Resort was – and this is an opinion piece so just hear me out – worrisome.
—Moira McCarthy, Boston Herald, 29 Jan. 2025
There has been no shortage of baseball fans on social media who have directed vitriol at the Dodgers for their flurry of moves.
—Justice Delos Santos, The Mercury News, 26 Jan. 2025
Tense relations with the White House only getting tenser
Of late, the already high level of vitriol between President Trump and Newsom has amped things up between the federal and state governments over the topic of water.
—Elizabeth Weise, USA TODAY, 24 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for vitriol
Dictionary Entries Near vitriol
Cite this Entry
“Vitriol.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vitriol. Accessed 6 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
vitriol
noun
vit·ri·ol
ˈvi-trē-əl
: something (as written or spoken words) thought to be as harsh and burning as acid
Medical Definition
vitriol
noun
vit·ri·ol
ˈvi-trē-əl
1
: a sulfate of any of various metals (as copper, iron, or zinc)
2
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