vitriol

noun

vit·​ri·​ol ˈvi-trē-əl How to pronounce vitriol (audio)
Synonyms of vitriol
1
: bitterly harsh or caustic language or criticism
political commentators spewing angry vitriol
Rumor has always played a role in politics, but rarely have the backstage operatives been so adroit, and so cynical, in their use of vitriol.—Walter Shapiro
Cascades of multisyllabic vitriol engulf us as Conrad communicates his utter loathing of television …—Stanley Marcus
2
a
: a sulfate of any of various metals (such as copper, iron, or zinc)
especially : a glassy hydrate of such a sulfate
b
: oil of vitriol
vitriolic
ˌvi-trē-ˈä-lik How to pronounce vitriol (audio)
adjective
vitriolic personal attacks
a vitriolic debate/dispute

Synonyms of vitriol

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Examples of vitriol in a Sentence

His speech was full of political vitriol. a film critic noted for the vitriol and sometimes outright cruelty of his pronouncements
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
When the wicker husband proves to be a better man and partner than the rest of the married men in the village, jealousy erupts, and the unlikely couple must figure out how to preserve their simple life amid the chaos and vitriol. — Isabelle Farina, Variety, 25 Oct. 2026 Engelbert closed her letter by saying the league would continue working to protect players and personnel, including addressing hate and vitriol directed at players online and on social media. — Jackson Thompson Outkick, FOXNews.com, 20 Oct. 2026 Engelbert didn't address any of those in her final state-of-the-league speech other than to say that the league needs to continue to support the players against the social media vitriol. — ABC News, 17 Oct. 2026 For Davies, some of this vitriol has occasionally been felt first-hand. — David MacK, CNN Money, 2 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for vitriol

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French vitriole, from Medieval Latin vitriolum, alteration of Late Latin vitreolum, neuter of vitreolus glassy, from Latin vitreus vitreous

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2a

Time Traveler
The first known use of vitriol was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing vitriol

Browse Nearby Words

vitrinite
vitriol
vitriolated
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Cite this Entry

“Vitriol.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vitriol. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

vitriol

noun
vit·​ri·​ol ˈvi-trē-əl How to pronounce vitriol (audio)
: something (as written or spoken words) thought to be as harsh and burning as acid

Medical Definition

vitriol

noun
vit·​ri·​ol ˈvi-trē-əl How to pronounce vitriol (audio)
1
: a sulfate of any of various metals (as copper, iron, or zinc)
2
: oil of vitriol

More from Merriam-Webster on vitriol

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about vitriol

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