resentment

Definition of resentmentnext
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as in jealousy
a painful awareness of another's possessions or advantages and a desire to have them too I don't have any resentment over my friend's luxurious house

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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Synonym Chooser

How is the word resentment distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of resentment are dudgeon, huff, offense, pique, and umbrage. While all these words mean "an emotional response to or an emotional state resulting from a slight or indignity," resentment suggests lasting indignation or ill will.

harbored a lifelong resentment of his brother

When could dudgeon be used to replace resentment?

While the synonyms dudgeon and resentment are close in meaning, dudgeon suggests an angry fit of indignation.

stormed out of the meeting in high dudgeon

When can huff be used instead of resentment?

While in some cases nearly identical to resentment, huff implies a peevish short-lived spell of anger usually at a petty cause.

in a huff he slammed the door

When might offense be a better fit than resentment?

Although the words offense and resentment have much in common, offense implies hurt displeasure.

takes deep offense at racial slurs

When is pique a more appropriate choice than resentment?

The words pique and resentment are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, pique applies to a transient feeling of wounded vanity.

in a pique I foolishly declined the invitation

When is it sensible to use umbrage instead of resentment?

The meanings of umbrage and resentment largely overlap; however, umbrage may suggest hurt pride, resentment, or suspicion of another's motives.

took umbrage at the offer of advice

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 resentment Even among the Allies, there were deep divisions, lingering resentment, and few agreements. Encyclopedia Britannica, 24 June 2026 Militia commanders were already feeling slighted by their British overlords, and London’s stranglehold on trade and manufacturing caused still more resentment. Ann Manov, Harpers Magazine, 23 June 2026 They are governed by military juntas that staged coups fueled by resentment toward old Western partners and democratic governments. Wilson McMakin, Los Angeles Times, 19 June 2026 And there’s this racial angle that creates enormous resentment, fear, tension, anger, hate between the descendants of the exiles and the descendants of those who remain behind. David Frum, The Atlantic, 17 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for resentment
Recent Examples of Synonyms for resentment
Noun
  • Colombia eventually outlasted Ghana to survive the first FIFA World Cup knockout round in Kansas City Stadium, also known as Arrowhead Stadium, but those at the watch parties didn’t seem to hold a grudge.
    Eleanor Nash July 4, Kansas City Star, 4 July 2026
  • Within the first 10 minutes of the match on Monday, which was also the anniversary of that game, the Mexican fans reminded the world of their 12-year grudge against the Oranje.
    ABC News, ABC News, 30 June 2026
Noun
  • Prosecutors argued that Yang, who had been involved with Gayle, murdered Reuter out of jealousy.
    Clifford Ward, Chicago Tribune, 29 June 2026
  • This isn't intended to be a trauma dump, inspire jealousy, or make your significant other act as your therapist.
    Sabrina Romanoff, CNBC, 29 June 2026
Noun
  • Winters prioritized strategic logic over acknowledging the profound emotional impact on his workforce, fostering fear and anger.
    Kevin Kruse, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
  • Thousands of demonstrators massed across South African cities, venting anger at undocumented foreign nationals.
    Reuters, NBC news, 1 July 2026
Noun
  • His celebratory words marking its 250th anniversary included not only the traditional paeans to the Founders but also a dose of personal grievance, plus soaring praise for his own achievements.
    Susan Page, USA Today, 5 July 2026
  • Kyle Kuzma aired out his grievances with the NBA’s current collective bargaining agreement Friday and shot off some fireworks before the July Fourth weekend.
    Mike Vorkunov, New York Times, 4 July 2026
Noun
  • The rivalry between the neighboring nations stretches back over 100 years on the pitch without ever being one that has slipped into hatred.
    Ben Church, CNN Money, 6 July 2026
  • Proof that the babies aren’t born with hatred in their bellies and in their blood.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 6 July 2026
Noun
  • Devers walked back to the dugout in a huff.
    Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 22 June 2026
  • David walks out of the kitchen and Moira huffs and takes his spot over the pot.
    Sabrina Weiss, PEOPLE, 31 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • This would let traffic flow, which is so necessary for the vitality and economy of Chicago; provide a safer route for bikers; and ease the frustration of all of those on the streets of Chicago.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026
  • Spence also appears to be absorbing the blame for broader failures, with Thomas Tuchel’s touchline frustrations obvious and — for a player still establishing himself at this level — that scrutiny is unlikely to help.
    Sarah Shephard, New York Times, 4 July 2026
Noun
  • The video went viral, encapsulating the prevalent mood of indignation about official nonaction.
    Mery Mogollón, Los Angeles Times, 30 June 2026
  • He was deservedly sent off after a reckless foul on Pau Cubarsi, before grabbing the referee’s arm and tossing it to the side in indignation.
    Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 28 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Resentment.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/resentment. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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