sour grapes

plural noun

Definition of sour grapesnext
as in hostility
informal unfair criticism that comes from someone who is disappointed about not getting something His remarks are nothing but sour grapes.

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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 sour grapes While that may have sounded like sour grapes, a trio of researchers recently uncovered evidence that confirms such suspicions aren’t entirely imagined. — Emil Steiner, Forbes.com, 30 Jan. 2026 Several of our panelists suggested Ohtani should shift to relief or quit pitching altogether — but that could just be sour grapes after Ohtani returned his second major elbow surgery to perform as a two-way player in 2025. — Andy McCullough, New York Times, 19 Mar. 2026 The accusation might sound like sour grapes but is relevant to Cincinnati’s federal lawsuit against Sorsby for breach of contract, a case that is separate from Sorsby’s lawsuit against the NCAA and the Big 12’s lawsuit against Texas Tech. — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 17 June 2026 Philly flashbacks There was no shortage of hard feelings (and maybe some sour grapes) when the 49ers lost 31-7 in the NFC Championship Game following the 2022 season when Haason Reddick sacked Purdy and tore the UCL in his right elbow. — Jerry McDonald, Mercury News, 9 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sour grapes

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soured
sour grapes
souring
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Cite this Entry

“Sour grapes.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sour%20grapes. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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