as in acrimonious
having or showing deep-seated resentment
a rancorous autobiography in which the author heaps blame on just about everyone who had the misfortune of knowing him
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of rancorous
These disputes became more rancorous after Russia’s 2008 war in Georgia and its 2014 annexation of Crimea, with liberal internationalists arguing that these wars revealed Putin to be an imperialist, revisionist leader seeking to reconquer the Soviet empire.
—
Emma Ashford, Foreign Affairs, 6 Sep. 2022
The near-assassination of a former U.S. president one week ago briefly halted the rancorous rhetoric gripping the nation.
—Dave Boucher, Detroit Free Press, 21 July 2024
So rancorous was the group’s dissolution that, in 1993, when CCR were justly inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, John Fogerty refused to perform with the band’s two surviving members.
—Chris Wheatley, Longreads, 16 July 2024
That trend, which accelerated with remote work during the coronavirus pandemic, has been at the center of a rancorous debate over how to preserve the county’s remaining farmland.
—Antonio Olivo, Washington Post, 3 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for rancorous 
Emma Ashford, Foreign Affairs, 6 Sep. 2022
The near-assassination of a former U.S. president one week ago briefly halted the rancorous rhetoric gripping the nation.
—Dave Boucher, Detroit Free Press, 21 July 2024
So rancorous was the group’s dissolution that, in 1993, when CCR were justly inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, John Fogerty refused to perform with the band’s two surviving members.
—Chris Wheatley, Longreads, 16 July 2024
That trend, which accelerated with remote work during the coronavirus pandemic, has been at the center of a rancorous debate over how to preserve the county’s remaining farmland.
—Antonio Olivo, Washington Post, 3 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for rancorous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rancorous
Adjective
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Defense spending Trump’s relationship with the Western military alliance was acrimonious during his first presidency, with the Republican leader frequently lambasting NATO member states for not abiding by a 2014 target to spend at least 2% of GDP on defense every year.—
Holly Ellyatt,
CNBC,
23 Jan. 2025
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But this weekend’s convention has the dual purpose of selling the 2025 Cubs and rebooting the Sosa legend after an acrimonious ending in 2004.—
Paul Sullivan,
Chicago Tribune,
18 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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Second: When was the last time America, as a collective, got angry about anything?—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
3 Feb. 2025
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The value of its currency is spiraling, inflation stands around 30%, and a broad range of Iran’s people are understandably growing angrier.—
Ian Bremmer,
TIME,
2 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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Several years later, the property is still a sore subject for Atwater.—
Ben Wieder,
Miami Herald,
26 Jan. 2025
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After all, shin splints, sore feet, and blisters can ruin any activity.—
Rosie Marder,
Travel + Leisure,
25 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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Listen to this article Loading your audio article As much of the U.S. endures the bitter cold, the MLB hot stove isn’t exactly offering much warmth.—
Peter Sblendorio,
New York Daily News,
23 Jan. 2025
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On Wednesday, morning temperatures dipped into the single digits, with wind chills amplifying the bitter cold.—
Raul A. Reyes,
Newsweek,
23 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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After all, dance pop’s supposedly liberating power has often been hijacked over the years for cynical ends, such as Target commercials and Katy Perry albums.—
Spencer Kornhaber,
The Atlantic,
28 Jan. 2025
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Still, when the third act finally arrives, Russell deserves credit for making the audacious decision to deny his characters their comeuppance and instead end the film on a cynical note.—
Natalia Winkelman,
IndieWire,
28 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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Evacuees may feel incredibly grateful for their hosts’ support while at the same time feeling resentful of their more stable living circumstances.—
Deborah Vankin,
Los Angeles Times,
23 Jan. 2025
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Some do-gooders can go to altruistic extremes without feeling resentful or judgmental.—
Sigal Samuel,
Vox,
21 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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However, the fire released a toxic cloud of gasses and acrid smoke which drifted north.—
Tim Bajarin,
Forbes,
23 Jan. 2025
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What was lost among the callous accusations, the memes and meta-memes, and the lightly acrid smell hanging over the Drake-Kendrick beef is the last-gaspness of it all.—
Jon Caramanica,
New York Times,
24 Dec. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near rancorous
Cite this Entry
“Rancorous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rancorous. Accessed 6 Feb. 2025.
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