RESENTMENT Synonyms: 94 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'resentment' distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of resentment are dudgeon , huff , offense , pique , and umbrage . While all these words mean "an emotional response to or an emotional state resulting from a slight or indignity," resentment suggests lasting indignation or ill will. // harbored a lifelong resentment of his brother

Q: When could 'dudgeon' be used to replace 'resentment'?

While the synonyms dudgeon and resentment are close in meaning, dudgeon suggests an angry fit of indignation. // stormed out of the meeting in high dudgeon

Q: When can 'huff' be used instead of 'resentment'?

While in some cases nearly identical to resentment , huff implies a peevish short-lived spell of anger usually at a petty cause. // in a huff he slammed the door

Q: When might 'offense' be a better fit than 'resentment'?

Although the words offense and resentment have much in common, offense implies hurt displeasure. // takes deep offense at racial slurs

Q: When is 'pique' a more appropriate choice than 'resentment'?

The words pique and resentment are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, pique applies to a transient feeling of wounded vanity. // in a pique I foolishly declined the invitation

Q: When is it sensible to use 'umbrage' instead of 'resentment'?

The meanings of umbrage and resentment largely overlap; however, umbrage may suggest hurt pride, resentment, or suspicion of another's motives. // took umbrage at the offer of advice

resentment

noun

ri-ˈzent-mənt

Definition of resentment next

as in grudge

a lingering ill will towards a person for a real or imagined wrong if you continue to harbor resentment toward your father, you'll never be able to move on with your life

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

as in jealousy

a painful awareness of another's possessions or advantages and a desire to have them too I don't have any resentment over my friend's luxurious house

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in anger

the feeling of being offended or resentful after a slight or indignity my resentment at being spoken to like I'm stupid

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word resentment distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of resentment are dudgeon, huff, offense, pique, and umbrage. While all these words mean "an emotional response to or an emotional state resulting from a slight or indignity," resentment suggests lasting indignation or ill will.

harbored a lifelong resentment of his brother

When could dudgeon be used to replace resentment?

While the synonyms dudgeon and resentment are close in meaning, dudgeon suggests an angry fit of indignation.

stormed out of the meeting in high dudgeon

When can huff be used instead of resentment?

While in some cases nearly identical to resentment, huff implies a peevish short-lived spell of anger usually at a petty cause.

in a huff he slammed the door

When might offense be a better fit than resentment?

Although the words offense and resentment have much in common, offense implies hurt displeasure.

takes deep offense at racial slurs

When is pique a more appropriate choice than resentment?

The words pique and resentment are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, pique applies to a transient feeling of wounded vanity.

in a pique I foolishly declined the invitation

When is it sensible to use umbrage instead of resentment?

The meanings of umbrage and resentment largely overlap; however, umbrage may suggest hurt pride, resentment, or suspicion of another's motives.

took umbrage at the offer of advice

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 resentment His backing of the PKK endured into the 1990s, in part driven by Syria’s historic resentment of Turkey since the Turkish annexation in 1939 of Alexandretta, a province that at that time belonged to the French mandate of Syria. —

Halil Karaveli, Foreign Affairs, 3 Feb. 2025 So eventually, unspoken frustrations (socks on the floor, too many nights out, a pattern of flakiness) build into resentment, which can leak out in the form of unproductive, passive-aggressive comments or more explosive, potentially hurtful blowups. —

Jenna Ryu, SELF, 24 Jan. 2025 Additionally, annexation risks forcing unincorporated communities into the city against their will, creating resentment and jeopardizing the trust and unity of our region. —

Dominick Vargas, Sun Sentinel, 1 Feb. 2025 According to an article from Newsweek, misunderstandings and poor communication often lead to resentment, which can erode trust over time. —

Joel Thayer, Newsweek, 27 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for resentment

Recent Examples of Synonyms for resentment

Noun

But Trump maintains a disdain for federal bureaucrats and holds an enduring grudge about the investigation, led by the IC, into Russia’s interference in the 2016 presidential election.

— Peter Schroeder, Foreign Affairs, 17 Jan. 2025
Assuming the worst of your friends prolongs a grudge as the moon and Mars clash.

— USA TODAY, USA TODAY, 1 Jan. 2025