sour 1 of 2

1
as in acidic
causing or characterized by the one of the four basic taste sensations that is produced chiefly by acids the sour candy made our mouths all wrinkly inside

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2
3
as in unacceptable
falling short of a standard things started off well, but now it's all gone sour

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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 sour
Verb
But the whole thing quite possibly soured Henley on the idea of a memoir. Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 28 Jan. 2025 After contract extension talks with Miami decision-makers soured over the summer, Butler has made life difficult for the Heat. Alex Kirschenbaum, Newsweek, 3 Feb. 2025
Adjective
Despite the federal government spending hundreds of billions of euros boosting the region’s economy and developing its infrastructure, the turmoil has left a sour taste in the mouth of many from the region. Sophie Kiderlin, CNBC, 12 Feb. 2025 The veggie rolls were paired with a tasty sweet and sour sauce. Kim Bojórquez, Axios, 14 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for sour
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sour
Verb
  • The brand also angered left-leaning customers because of its conciliatory response to right-wing attacks.
    Nathaniel Meyersohn, CNN, 28 Feb. 2025
  • The meeting angered Democrats, who were horrified by Trump and Vice President Vance's conduct.
    Andrew Solender, Axios, 28 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • As far as other watery places, bogs have been an especially rich source for archaeologists, since their acidic waters allow for an astonishing, mummy-like level of preservation.
    Alexander Nazaryan, New York Times, 21 Feb. 2025
  • Plants are better able to take up aluminum in acidic soil, ideally with a pH between 5.0 and 5.5.
    Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 14 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • This can be an unpleasant odor for humans to encounter, but the critters in the video seem enthusiastic about interacting with the eau de skunk.
    Amanda Kooser, Forbes, 25 Feb. 2025
  • These days however, an all-white or all-gray bathroom can act as an unpleasant symbol of an outdated trend, and may seem seriously lacking in pizazz.
    Hallie Milstein, Southern Living, 25 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Many of them will likely be seen in Kyiv as unacceptable.
    Ivana Kottasová, CNN, 18 Feb. 2025
  • Without any supporting facts alleging, political impropriety, unacceptable public safety threats, national security concerns, and the potential failure of not executing federal immigration initiatives and policies, all of which will have an impact on Adams’ ability to govern NYC.
    Arnold Kriss, New York Daily News, 18 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • In ever more apocalyptic language, Trump has sought to unify his MAGA movement with strongman pledges to defend Americans from millions of hostile foreigners seeking to storm the country and to root out enemy aliens within.
    Julia Preston, Foreign Affairs, 25 Oct. 2024
  • The film follows a ragtag group of actors (played by Tim Allen, Sigourney Weaver, Alan Rickman, among other stars) from an ‘80s sci-fi series who aliens unexpectedly abduct during a convention appearance.
    Matt Juul, BostonGlobe.com, 7 July 2023
Adjective
  • Basic Skin Care Routine The key to maintaining a healthy skin pH is a basic skin care routine that maintains the acid mantle.
    Mark Gurarie, Verywell Health, 30 Oct. 2024
  • Even perennials have varying soil needs: some prefer more acid or more alkaline soil, or prefer a wet site or a dry one.
    Beth Botts, Chicago Tribune, 2 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • The bitter exchange was unlike any other in the Oval Office in modern times. 13:43 With Ukraine's future in the balance, a high-stakes meeting on Friday between President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy devolved into a shouting match.
    Alexandra Hutzler, ABC News, 28 Feb. 2025
  • The icy winds tend to keep residents firmly planted inside, while the early sunsets plunge the region into darkness before 5:00 PM for the bulk of the season—but fortunately, one Boston hotel in particular offers the perfect reprise from the bitter cold.
    Jared Ranahan, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • This reveals Wrexham have still been creating more than the opposition, suggesting there wasn’t a lot wrong and that an upturn in individual form, as happened at Mansfield with the back three, will bring the necessary results to stay in the promotion hunt.
    Richard Sutcliffe, The Athletic, 23 Feb. 2025
  • According to the Reuters/Ipsos poll conducted between February 12 and 18, 53 percent of Americans believed the economy was on the wrong track, up from 43 percent in the organizations' January 24 to 26 poll.
    Tom Rogers, Newsweek, 22 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Sour.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sour. Accessed 4 Mar. 2025.

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