1
as in hostility
a deep-seated ill will
he still harbored an implacable bitterness against the company that had fired him
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in bite
a harsh or sharp quality
the bitterness of the coffee suggested that it had been reheated
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in chill
an uncomfortable degree of coolness
there's a bitterness in the air, so let's build a fire in the fireplace
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in severity
biting sharpness of feeling or expression
complained with great bitterness about the ill treatment he had always received
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of bitterness
But Deborah’s bitterness is eclipsing everything.
—
Jessica M. Goldstein, Vulture, 1 May 2026
The bitterness mellows beautifully and clings to pasta like it was meant to.
—Ryan Brennan, Sacbee.com, 30 Apr. 2026
The bitterness mellows into something deeply savory and clings to pasta like it was made for it.
—Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 30 Apr. 2026
Blanch young leaves briefly to reduce bitterness, then sauté with olive oil, garlic, a pinch of red pepper flakes and a squeeze of lemon.
—Ryan Brennan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 Apr. 2026
In addition to the scallions, half a cup of whole parsley leaves adds a grassy depth and pleasant bitterness to this salad.
—Martha Stewart, 19 Apr. 2026
Just make sure to choose limes with slightly thinner skin for less bitterness.
—Melinda Salchert, Southern Living, 19 Apr. 2026
Weeks after American Idol audiences booed her for giving honest feedback, Carrie Underwood responded not with bitterness but with blue boxes.
—Samantha Agate, Kansas City Star, 16 Apr. 2026
Acidic liquids can tame that bitterness.
—The New York Times News Service Syndicate, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Apr. 2026
Jessica M. Goldstein, Vulture, 1 May 2026
The bitterness mellows beautifully and clings to pasta like it was meant to.
—Ryan Brennan, Sacbee.com, 30 Apr. 2026
The bitterness mellows into something deeply savory and clings to pasta like it was made for it.
—Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 30 Apr. 2026
Blanch young leaves briefly to reduce bitterness, then sauté with olive oil, garlic, a pinch of red pepper flakes and a squeeze of lemon.
—Ryan Brennan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 Apr. 2026
In addition to the scallions, half a cup of whole parsley leaves adds a grassy depth and pleasant bitterness to this salad.
—Martha Stewart, 19 Apr. 2026
Just make sure to choose limes with slightly thinner skin for less bitterness.
—Melinda Salchert, Southern Living, 19 Apr. 2026
Weeks after American Idol audiences booed her for giving honest feedback, Carrie Underwood responded not with bitterness but with blue boxes.
—Samantha Agate, Kansas City Star, 16 Apr. 2026
Acidic liquids can tame that bitterness.
—The New York Times News Service Syndicate, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bitterness
Noun
-
As this sequence plays out, the social fabric further shreds and unravels; trust circles shrink and become ever more homogeneous; and hostility, mean spiritedness, and a general hardening take hold in society.—
Nick Lichtenberg,
Fortune,
3 May 2026
-
The president did send a letter to Congress, just to recap, saying that hostilities have been terminated, given the ceasefire that was put in place on April 7th.—
NBC news,
NBC news,
3 May 2026
Noun
-
Each bite is perfumed with heady cinnamon, floral vanilla, and earthy ras el hanout.—
The Bon Appétit Staff,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
1 May 2026
-
Adding more bite to the aesthetic, the sole narrows to a point in front.—
Jaden Thompson,
Footwear News,
1 May 2026
Noun
-
Members of the olive family, Oleaceae, lilacs are well suited to life in cold climates—in fact, the chill of winter is essential to their bud development and maturation.—
Emily Leahy,
Hartford Courant,
3 May 2026
-
Cover and chill until firm, 4 to 24 hours.—
Sarah Martens,
Better Homes & Gardens,
3 May 2026
Noun
-
Last July, Wolfson found Barahona competent, ruling that Barahona was capable of aiding his defense attorneys and understands the severity of the penalties should he be found guilty.—
Grethel Aguila,
Miami Herald,
6 May 2026
-
After suffering a left hamstring injury earlier this season, Doncic said the latest Grade 2 strain to the same area is unlike any he’s experienced because of its severity.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
6 May 2026
Noun
-
Trump is well known for holding a grudge and expecting loyalty, which has been a theme in several Republican primaries this year.—
Phillip M. Bailey,
USA Today,
6 May 2026
-
How sweet this life—if Fortune bears no grudge.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
6 May 2026
Noun
-
The outbreak of hantavirus on a cruise ship moored off the western coast of Africa is gripping a world primed by recent painful experience to be on edge for the next Covid-19-like event.—
Helen Branswell,
STAT,
7 May 2026
-
But there’s a significant difference in setting the edge on the college level and doing it in the NFL, where the offensive tackles and tight ends are usually bigger and stronger.—
Omar Kelly,
Miami Herald,
7 May 2026
Noun
-
In response to that outpouring of anger, the government said Starmer acknowledged fear within the community.—
Alexander Smith,
NBC news,
1 May 2026
-
The anger is understandable, but it’s pointed in the wrong direction.—
Robert Johnson,
Rolling Stone,
1 May 2026
Noun
-
In Australia, a wide-ranging inquiry commission examining antisemitism after a massacre at a Hanukkah celebration heard this week from Jews who said escalating hatred has left them fearful and vulnerable.—
David Crary,
Fortune,
6 May 2026
-
They were convicted of hooliganism motivated by religious hatred and sentenced to two years in prison.—
Brian Boucher,
ARTnews.com,
6 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Bitterness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bitterness. Accessed 8 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
