smoldering resentment

USAGE SUMMARY

'smoldering resentment' is a correct and usable expression in written English.
It is an idiomatic phrase that means a resentment or dissatisfaction that has been held in for a long time and may suddenly and unexpectedly be released. For example, "After years of smoldering resentment, Elizabeth finally screamed at her mother during their heated argument."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

The result was a mixture of smoldering resentment and surrender to fate.

The New York Times

Now, on Day 10 of Pup Held Hostage, his mood had congealed from sullenness to smoldering resentment.

The New York Times - Magazine

There may be many inducements for Dr. Fadl's revisions, torture among them, but his smoldering resentment of Zawahiri's literary crimes was obviously a factor.

The New Yorker

"A decade after that happened you still have smoldering resentment," the official said, adding that the situation exposed a bigger battle over the future of Plum Island.

The New York Times

The e-mail response was overwhelming, thoughtful and sometimes emotional, mostly from middle-aged men who remembered high school with still smoldering resentment against jocks.

The New York Times - Sports

Mr. Clinton's ability to lead the military during his presidency was shadowed by the suspicion that he had cheated to avoid service in Vietnam and by the smoldering resentment that caused.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

Seven major characters are deployed in Baker's fictional retelling of the worst civil disturbance in American history, the draft riots of 1863, when Irish mobs filled with smoldering resentments terrorized New York City for three midsummer days.

The New York Times - Books

But the incident, examined more closely, reveals a range of Japanese, not American, problems, from deepening post-cold war malaise and smoldering resentments of American success to the country's own hypocrisy in coming to terms with its Asian neighbors.

The New York Times

In a town where executives are only as good as the box office grosses of their most recent films, smoldering resentments or questions of loyalty can make it harder for a studio chief to rally support in the inevitable tough times.

The New York Times

Continually channeling Trump's ego, whatever his smoldering resentments may be, he soldiers on ― and in the context of the Trump White House successfully indeed.

Huffington Post

Others, though, are drawn by strong feelings, from families with living memories of wartime loss, to people smoldering with resentment over an international order defined by the West.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "smoldering resentment" to describe a feeling that is not openly expressed but is present and potentially explosive. It is commonly used in formal writing and news reports.

Common error

Avoid using "smoldering resentment" to describe a momentary outburst of anger. This phrase implies a long-held, suppressed feeling, not a short-lived emotional reaction.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "smoldering resentment" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a state of suppressed negative emotion. Ludwig confirms that it's a correct and usable expression.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "smoldering resentment" is a noun phrase used to describe suppressed anger or bitterness that has the potential to erupt. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a valid and usable expression. Primarily found in news and media contexts, it carries a neutral to formal tone. When using this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects a long-held, underlying feeling rather than a fleeting moment of anger. Consider alternatives like "simmering anger" or "latent bitterness" for nuanced variations. The prevalence of this expression in authoritative sources like The New York Times highlights its credibility and appropriateness in formal discourse.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

simmering anger

Focuses on the anger aspect of the resentment, implying a slow build-up.

latent bitterness

Emphasizes the hidden and underlying nature of the bitterness.

suppressed indignation

Highlights the act of keeping the indignation under control.

unspoken animosity

Focuses on the fact that the animosity is not openly expressed.

bottled-up frustration

Implies that the frustration has been contained for a long time.

lingering grudge

Highlights the long-lasting nature of the grudge.

deep-seated grievance

Emphasizes the deeply rooted nature of the grievance.

harbored ill will

Focuses on the act of holding onto negative feelings.

unresolved animosity

Highlights the lack of resolution for the animosity.

pent-up hostility

Implies a build-up of hostile feelings waiting to be released.

FAQs

How can I use "smoldering resentment" in a sentence?

You can use "smoldering resentment" to describe a situation where someone harbors negative feelings that are not openly expressed. For example, "The policy change led to "smoldering resentment" among the employees".

What are some synonyms for "smoldering resentment"?

Alternatives to "smoldering resentment" include "simmering anger", "latent bitterness", or "suppressed indignation", each conveying a slightly different nuance.

What's the difference between "smoldering resentment" and "outburst of anger"?

"Smoldering resentment" refers to a long-held, suppressed feeling, while an "outburst of anger" is a sudden, uncontrolled expression of anger. One is contained, the other is released.

In what contexts is "smoldering resentment" most appropriately used?

"Smoldering resentment" is often used in "formal writing", news reports, and analyses to describe underlying tensions in political, social, or organizational contexts. It's suitable when indicating a persistent, though not overtly expressed, negative sentiment.