vitriol

USAGE SUMMARY

“vitriol” is a perfectly acceptable, formal word in written English.
It is often used to describe a display of intense anger or hatred towards someone or something, usually expressed in harsh and caustic language. For example, "The debate grew very heated, and the audience was shocked by the speaker’s vitriol."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

More vitriol was directed at Symons minutes later when Fulham's lead was surrendered for a second time.

The Guardian - Sport

Donita Sparks still talks with the vitriol of a jilted lover ready to castrate something, but she's also surprisingly sweet.

The Guardian - Music

"I see my role as prime minister as forging consensus wherever I can … without resorting to personal vitriol, that diminishes and demeans us all.

The Guardian

The censors' original 43 "grounds for deletion" list from 1916 included several amusingly old-fashioned points, including scenes of "vitriol throwing", "scenes laid in disorderly houses", "vulgar accessories in the staging", "indecorous dancing" and scenes likely to "bring into disrepute British prestige in the Empire".

The Guardian - Film

Newly recovered from a collapsed lung, Siem de Jong stepped off the bench to volley a classy consolation but it failed to staunch the Geordie vitriol.

The Guardian - Sport

He was at first bothered by the vitriol on his Facebook page, but he came to interpret it as discomfort.

The Guardian - Sport

That case prompted a tabloid feeding frenzy with Chahal, rather than Sutcliffe, the target of much of the vitriol.

The Guardian

He told LBC radio: "I'm not quite sure what you would describe it as apart from a piece of bile and vitriol from our political opponents, who don't happen to be in a political party – they're in a TV channel and don't have to go through the inconvenience of running for office.

The Guardian

Even Kenya's burgeoning middle class seemed unable, as voters, to move much beyond tribal identities.Since the poll, Kenyans have been spitting ethnic vitriol at each other in their social media.

The Economist

DEBATES about Israel tend to stir up unusual levels of ire and vitriol, driving otherwise smart people to make poor arguments and stoop to childish taunts.

The Economist

To be sure, anti-Semitic crimes by right-wing extremists happen in Germany, as elsewhere, and militant Islamic vitriol against Jews is watched with growing concern.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "vitriol" when you want to emphasize the intensely bitter and harsh nature of someone's words or actions. It is particularly effective in describing political debates or personal conflicts where emotions run high.

Common error

Avoid using "vitriol" when describing mild disagreement or constructive criticism. "Vitriol" implies a level of bitterness and malice that is inappropriate for less severe situations.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "vitriol" is that of a noun, referring to bitterly abusive language or virulence of feeling. As Ludwig AI confirms, this usage is common and grammatically sound.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

25%

Sport

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"Vitriol" is a noun that signifies bitterly abusive language, as affirmed by Ludwig AI. Its usage is considered grammatically correct and very common, particularly in News & Media and Formal & Business contexts. When employing "vitriol", ensure that it accurately reflects the intensely bitter and malicious nature of the language or actions being described. While synonyms like "rancor" or "acrimony" exist, "vitriol" specifically emphasizes virulence. Its formal tone makes it suitable for professional and academic discourse.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bitterness

Emphasizes a painful or resentful feeling.

venom

Suggests a poisonous or malicious intent.

acrimony

Highlights sharpness and bitterness in speech or behavior.

invective

Implies a forceful and bitter denunciation.

virulence

Emphasizes the extreme harmfulness or bitterness of something.

rancor

Focuses more on deep-seated bitterness and resentment.

asperity

Highlights harshness or severity of manner or tone.

gall

Suggests bitterness and resentment, often mixed with audacity.

caustic language

Specifically refers to language that is severely critical or sarcastic.

sarcasm

Implies the use of irony to mock or convey contempt.

FAQs

How can I use "vitriol" in a sentence?

You can use "vitriol" to describe intensely bitter or malicious language. For example, "The debate was filled with "vitriol" from both sides".

What words are similar to "vitriol"?

Similar words include "rancor", "acrimony", and "bitterness", each carrying a slightly different nuance of intense negativity.

Is "vitriol" formal or informal?

"Vitriol" is a formal word, suitable for use in academic, journalistic, and professional contexts. It conveys a strong sense of intense negativity and should be used with precision.

What is the difference between "vitriol" and "criticism"?

"Vitriol" implies a deeply bitter and malicious attack, while "criticism" can be constructive and less emotionally charged. "Vitriol" goes beyond mere disagreement to express strong hatred or contempt.