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
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
And the storm of vitriol that followed the Stauffers’ joint decision was directed almost entirely at Myka, just as Ruby Franke, before the extent of her abuse came to light, bore the brunt of public critique for her parenting style.
—Hannah Giorgis, The Atlantic, 31 Mar. 2025
The divisiveness and vitriol at the state and especially national level is undoubtedly feeding into this local election, as society in general has become more tribal and insular, thanks in large part to the weaponization of social media.
—Denise Crosby, Chicago Tribune, 30 Mar. 2025
Prosecutors say Mangione fatally shot Thompson, 50, outside a New York City hotel in December, sparking a days-long manhunt as well as an outpouring of vitriol against the health insurance industry and public support for Mangione.
—N'dea Yancey-Bragg, USA Today, 28 Mar. 2025
Yet, there was way more vitriol on display in Wrexham’s 1-0 victory than, say, when Wigan Athletic (52 miles) or even Bolton Wanderers (59 miles) visited earlier in the season.
—Richard Sutcliffe, The Athletic, 23 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for vitriol
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Hannah Giorgis, The Atlantic, 31 Mar. 2025
The divisiveness and vitriol at the state and especially national level is undoubtedly feeding into this local election, as society in general has become more tribal and insular, thanks in large part to the weaponization of social media.
—Denise Crosby, Chicago Tribune, 30 Mar. 2025
Prosecutors say Mangione fatally shot Thompson, 50, outside a New York City hotel in December, sparking a days-long manhunt as well as an outpouring of vitriol against the health insurance industry and public support for Mangione.
—N'dea Yancey-Bragg, USA Today, 28 Mar. 2025
Yet, there was way more vitriol on display in Wrexham’s 1-0 victory than, say, when Wigan Athletic (52 miles) or even Bolton Wanderers (59 miles) visited earlier in the season.
—Richard Sutcliffe, The Athletic, 23 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for vitriol
Cite this Entry
“Vitriol.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vitriol. Accessed 9 Apr. 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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