Synonyms for

Bitterness

Verb / ˈbɪtɜ:nʌs / Another word for bitterness — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

The quality or state of being bitter; a harsh or disagreeable taste or feeling.

Synonyms & similar words

thorniness acrimony tartness gall rancour rancor acerbity bitter jaundice resentment acrimony resentment animosity spite malice enmity hostility hatred antagonism rancor sourness harshness acridity acridness astringency pungency acerbity sharpness severity displeasure

Synonyms by register

Formal

rancor resentment acrimony malevolence

Informal

grudge spleen sourness

Literary

gall wormwood

Antonyms

sweetness joy happiness pleasure delight contentment satisfaction

Common collocations

  • feeling of bitterness
  • sense of bitterness
  • bitterness and anger
  • bitterness of loss
  • bitterness of defeat
  • lingering bitterness
  • deep bitterness

Word family

noun bitterness
verb bitter
adjective bitter
adverb bitterly

Usage note

While 'bitterness' can refer to a literal taste, it is more commonly used metaphorically to describe feelings of anger, resentment, or disappointment, often stemming from past grievances.

Example sentences

  1. The bitterness of the coffee made my face scrunch up.
  2. Her bitterness towards her ex-boyfriend made her avoid him at all costs.
  3. The bitterness of the medicine made it hard to swallow.
  4. The bitterness of the loss was felt by the entire team.
  5. The bitterness of the cold weather made me long for a warm blanket.

Quotes

  • “Bitterness imprisons life; love releases it.” - Harry Emerson Fosdick
  • “The bitterness of poor quality remains long after the sweetness of low price is forgotten.” - Benjamin Franklin
  • “Bitterness is like cancer. It eats upon the host. But anger is like fire. It burns it all clean.” - Maya Angelou

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