acrimonious

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "acrimonious" is correct and usable in written English.
It is an adjective that means marked by strong resentment or cynicism. You can use it to describe a situation, relationship, or (in rare cases) an activity. Here is an example: "The divorce proceedings between the couple were acrimonious, with both parties trading bitter accusations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The "Glorious 12th" – 12 August, when the annual grouse-shooting season starts – will be marked on Monday with an acrimonious row between conservationists and the body that represents English and Welsh grouse moorland owners.

The Guardian

But he suggested Cameron risked turning a decent debate into an acrimonious argument.

The Guardian

This was not a happy period for him – his love affair with the politician and novelist Aurélie Filipetti, another Royal acolyte, ended around then with acrimonious accusations on both sides.

The Guardian - Books

Related: Defiant Sepp Blatter vows to fix Fifa as pressure mounts to resign The Russian president also suggested the charges were in part a retaliation against Fifa for having made his country the host of the 2018 World Cup, hinting at the acrimonious relations between the west and the Kremlin over the Russia's military action in Ukraine.

The Guardian - Sport

"I have reluctantly concluded than any possible confirmation process for me would be acrimonious and would not serve the interests of the Federal Reserve, the Administration, or ultimately, the interests of the nation's ongoing economic recovery.

The Guardian - Business

But Brighton & Hove City Council and Brighton University believe they have come up with a solution to bridge the often acrimonious divide between "town and gown".

The Guardian - Money

SH I encountered the desire for revenge recently in a person who had been through a particularly acrimonious divorce two years ago.

The Guardian - Film

He is reported not to have spoken to the Genoa owner, Enrico Preziosi, since their somewhat acrimonious split, but both parties have seen their fortunes take a turn for the worse since they parted ways.

The Guardian - Sport

The cancellation came a day after an acrimonious eight-hour meeting chaired by the US special envoy, Martin Indyk.

The Guardian

Less than a year after the acrimonious independence referendum, the SNP leader, Nicola Sturgeon, clearly impressed voters from around the UK.

The Guardian

Whoever the winner is in this acrimonious brawl for the Australian leadership, a more serious – potentially disastrous – disconnect between Labor and its electorate seems hard to imagine.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "acrimonious" to describe situations or interactions marked by deep-seated bitterness and resentment. For example, an "acrimonious" dispute suggests a conflict filled with anger and hostility.

Common error

Avoid using "acrimonious" to describe minor disagreements or simple arguments. This term is best reserved for situations involving intense bitterness and deep-seated animosity.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "acrimonious" primarily functions to describe nouns, indicating that they are characterized by bitterness, sharpness, and resentment. Ludwig examples showcase its use in describing disputes, relationships, and debates.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Formal & Business

22%

Science

22%

Less common in

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "acrimonious" is an adjective used to describe situations or interactions marked by bitterness and sharp resentment, as confirmed by Ludwig. It's grammatically correct and very common, appearing frequently in news and media, formal and business, and scientific contexts. When using "acrimonious", ensure it accurately reflects intense negativity rather than simple disagreement. Alternatives include "bitter", "rancorous", and "hostile". According to Ludwig, this word is fine to use in your writtings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bitter

Describes a feeling of resentment and cynicism, often lasting for a long time.

rancorous

Suggests deep-seated bitterness and ill will.

caustic

Highlights the sharp, biting, and sarcastic nature of the interaction.

virulent

Emphasizes the intensely hostile and poisonous nature of the conflict.

antagonistic

Focuses on the actively opposing and confrontational nature of the relationship.

hostile

Indicates an unfriendly and aggressive environment.

embittered

Highlights the deep-seated resentment and cynicism resulting from negative experiences.

contentious

Suggests that the situation is likely to cause argument and disagreement.

acerbated

Describes something that has been made more bitter or severe.

vitriolic

Emphasizes the cruel and bitter criticism or malice involved.

FAQs

How to use "acrimonious" in a sentence?

Use "acrimonious" to describe a situation or interaction characterized by bitterness and ill will. For example: "The divorce was an "acrimonious" affair, filled with accusations and resentment."

What can I say instead of "acrimonious"?

You can use alternatives like "bitter", "rancorous", or "hostile" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "acrimonious debate" or "heated debate"?

Both phrases are correct, but they convey different levels of intensity. "Acrimonious debate" suggests a bitter and resentful exchange, while "heated debate" simply indicates a passionate and intense discussion.

What's the difference between "acrimonious" and "contentious"?

"Acrimonious" implies bitterness and resentment, while "contentious" suggests that something is likely to cause argument or disagreement, but not necessarily with the same level of animosity.