acrimony

noun

ac·​ri·​mo·​ny ˈa-krə-ˌmō-nē How to pronounce acrimony (audio)
plural acrimonies
Synonyms of acrimony
: anger and bitterness : harsh or biting sharpness especially of words, manner, or feelings
The dispute continued with increased acrimony.

Synonyms of acrimony

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Examples of acrimony in a Sentence

The dispute began again with increased acrimony. she responded with such acrimony that he never brought the subject up again
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.
After years of acrimony, estrangement and speculation over whether Oasis could ever take the stage, Noel sees the reunion as an opportunity to reshape the band’s legacy. — Spin Staff, SPIN, 18 Aug. 2026 But it was followed by years of acrimony over the parenting of their two children. — CBS News, 17 Aug. 2026 Tired of budget stalemates, deficits and continuous acrimony in the state Capitol, California voters in 2010 started taking action to temper political gridlock and loosen the grip of entrenched special interests. — Seema Mehta, Los Angeles Times, 17 Aug. 2026 The acrimony even after Gardner and Bridegan’s divorce never went away. — Lianna Norman, Florida Times-Union, 17 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for acrimony

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Middle French & Latin; Middle French acrimonie, borrowed from Latin ācrimōnia, from ācr-, ācer "sharp, biting, keen" + -mōnia, suffix of abstract nouns (going back to the Indo-European noun-forming suffix *-mĕ̄n-/*-mŏ̄n- + the abstract noun formative *-i-) — more at acr-

First Known Use

1542, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of acrimony was in 1542

Rhymes for acrimony

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Browse Nearby Words

acrimonious
acrimony
acrinyl
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Cite this Entry

“Acrimony.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/acrimony. Accessed 21 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

acrimony

noun
ac·​ri·​mo·​ny ˈak-rə-ˌmō-nē How to pronounce acrimony (audio)
plural acrimonies
: harsh or biting sharpness especially of words, manner, or disposition
acrimonious
ˌak-rə-ˈmō-nē-əs
adjective
acrimoniously adverb
acrimoniousness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on acrimony

Nglish: Translation of acrimony for Spanish Speakers

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