rancorous

adjective

ˈraŋ-k(ə-)rəs How to pronounce rancorous (audio)
Definition of rancorousnext
as in acrimonious
having or showing deep-seated resentment a rancorous autobiography in which the author heaps blame on just about everyone who had the misfortune of knowing him

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of rancorous Since the merger was blocked, the two grocery rivals have been locked in a rancorous and active legal fight over each other’s role in the scheme. — Charles Selle, Chicago Tribune, 22 June 2026 When headlines are filled with the fluctuations of gas prices, various branches of the federal government undertake rancorous investigations. — Daniel Yergin, Time, 20 June 2026 Amid rancorous debates over Israel, some Jewish leaders warn that anti-Zionism has spilled over into antisemitism, encouraging segments of the party to question not just Israeli policy but also the participation of Jews in American political life. — Matthew Schmitz, Washington Post, 29 May 2026 The meeting was mostly a polite affair, free from some of the rancorous shouting in past IACC meetings. — O. Rose Broderick, STAT, 28 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for rancorous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rancorous
  1. acrimonious
  2. angry
  3. sore
  4. bitter
  5. cynical
  6. resentful
  7. embittered
  8. acrid
Adjective
  • Some of the most audacious familial attacks — a departure from past campaigns when Republicans and Democrats barred their operations from such acrimonious hits — have come from Republicans, as polls show their candidates trailing in key races.
    — Dan Merica, Washington Post, 21 Oct. 2026
  • The petition is the latest in a long line of legal headaches for Mugrabi since her acrimonious divorce from billionaire art collector David Mugrabi in 2018.
    — Harrison Jacobs, ARTnews.com, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of acrimonious
Adjective
  • Legend has it that sad fates befell those who made her angry and happy ones those who were kind to her.
    — Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 22 Oct. 2026
  • Meanwhile, angry residents continue to flood once-sleepy municipal board meetings, pressuring officials to reject data center proposals.
    — Marc Levy, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of angry
Adjective
  • The vaccine’s side effects were mainly the sore arm, fatigue and other reactions typical of mRNA coronavirus vaccination, MD Anderson's Tawbi said.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 22 Oct. 2026
  • The vaccine’s side effects were mainly the sore arm, fatigue and other reactions typical of mRNA coronavirus vaccination, Tawbi said.
    — Lauren Neergaard, Chicago Tribune, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of sore
Adjective
  • The classmate, Joleene Altum, sued Griffin for emotional distress and invasion of privacy, and Griffin countersued for defamation in a bitter, ongoing legal battle.
    — Ben Smith, semafor.com, 26 Oct. 2026
  • The episode was a bitter lesson for the group, resulting in resentment and division.
    — Brian Boucher, ARTnews.com, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of bitter
Adjective
  • Such flat, enervating filmmaking makes the whole endeavor a shockingly cynical affair.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2026
  • In her role for Klara and the Sun, Ortega is cheerful and expressive where Wednesday Addams is deadpan and cynical.
    — Alice Robb, Vogue, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of cynical
Adjective
  • Todd also mentioned feeling shut out from Grace’s thoughts and decision-making process; of course he’s been unsettled and worried as well as resentful.
    — Sophie Brookover, Vulture, 16 Oct. 2026
  • The once-promising prodigy will grow dissolute, remorseful and resentful of his wife, who outlives him.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of resentful
Adjective
  • After a pair of SEC Championships and a national title during his five-year tenure with the Tigers, Saban departed for the NFL, leaving many folks on the bayou feeling embittered and betrayed.
    — Austin Perry OutKick, FOXNews.com, 18 Sep. 2026
  • In one scene, Amy heroically assuages an embittered foster kid by returning him to the memory of a fun school field trip.
    — David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of embittered
Adjective
  • All law enforcement smell the same, like acrid bile buried in roses.
    — Carly Tagen-Dye, PEOPLE, 25 Aug. 2026
  • Finding places to play Eight miles from central Nairobi, the air over the Dandora landfill is gauzy with the acrid, chemical smoke of burning garbage.
    — Ryan Lenora Brown, Christian Science Monitor, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of acrid

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Cite this Entry

“Rancorous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rancorous. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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