Definitions

acrimony

[ak-ruh-moh-nee] / ˈæk rəˌmoʊ ni /

NOUN

nasty behavior, speech

Synonyms

STRONGEST

animosity antagonism belligerence bitterness ill feeling ill will rancor

STRONG

acerbity antipathy asperity astringency crankiness harshness irascibility malevolence malice peevishness rudeness sarcasm spite tartness unkindness virulence

WEAK

churlishness mordancy

Antonyms

STRONGEST

good will love

STRONG

benevolence kindness liking mildness sympathy

WEAK

civility courtesy diplomacy flattery politeness sweetness

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The board-level acrimony has become an extraordinary public feud.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 29, 2026

"Chinese officials probably want to avoid any public display of acrimony with Trump," said Jean-Loup Samaan, senior research fellow at the National University of Singapore's Middle East Institute.

From Barron's • Mar. 14, 2026

But too often, they have descended into acrimony as companies and governments argued over specs or who would get the bulk of the contracts.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 18, 2026

Sir Keir is seeking to strengthen trading and cultural ties between the two nations after years of acrimony.

From BBC • Jan. 28, 2026

The good understanding between king and pope lasted until 1300, when the quarrel broke out afresh with greater acrimony than ever.

From A History of The Inquisition of The Middle Ages; volume II by Lea, Henry Charles

Vocabulary lists containing acrimony

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