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 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 Mourinho, the 63-year-old finally living the dream of managing his boyhood club after a rancorous nine-game stint at the start of his coaching career, celebrating with a starry-eyed kid dreaming of being on the pitch for the first team one day. — Jordan Campbell, New York Times, 17 Feb. 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
  • Lee, who left in an acrimonious split in 2022, declined to comment.
    — Liz Hoffman, semafor.com, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Wednesday’s debate was acrimonious almost from the beginning, with the two interrupting each other throughout the night.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of acrimonious
Adjective
  • Perhaps the Giants believe pitching angry benefits Houser, too.
    — Andrew Baggarly, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Occupants of a residence on the 1400 block of 104th Avenue were angry at the auto body shop for parking lots of cars outside, loud noises and excessive garbage.
    — Nate Gartrell, Mercury News, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of angry
Adjective
  • But bring up the sore subject, and his eyes narrow, the jaw squares.
    — Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 23 Aug. 2026
  • Everyone is banged up at this point in the season, particularly Willson Contreras, who’s been battling a sore hamstring but trying to stay on the field.
    — Jen McCaffrey, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of sore
Adjective
  • Thin-shelled yet not overly delicate, stuffed with amarena cherry-scented light ricotta bookended by bitter dark chocolate chips.
    — The Bon Appétit Staff, Bon Appetit Magazine, 24 Aug. 2026
  • Today’s recipe Chef David Tanis’ recipe for Persimmon and Pomegranate Salad With Bitter Lettuces has a nice combination of sweet and bitter.
    — Deborah Vankin, Los Angeles Times, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of bitter
Adjective
  • One big call was to yellow card Marco van Staden for cynical play on his tryline, superseding a high tackle by New Zealand captain Ardie Savea on Wiese.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 22 Aug. 2026
  • The cynical reality is that Republicans don’t even need to turn down tech company donations to campaign on their newly pragmatic identities.
    — David Weigel, semafor.com, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of cynical
Adjective
  • Thus, our heroes must peel themselves off from the couch and go on the run with their resentful felines Dio and GG bouncing along in backpacks.
    — Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Compromising works in your favor today, so no reason to be resentful.
    — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of resentful
Adjective
  • The specifics are needed, as Baldwin’s words bring bracing, embittered context to the film’s lustrous European tour.
    — Guy Lodge, Variety, 3 Aug. 2026
  • Page, an imposing figure in his double-breasted suit, can add a seductive lilt to his booming bass or an icy edge that provides a peek into his embittered soul.
    — Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 22 July 2026
Definition of embittered
Adjective
  • 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
  • Imagine the ripe smell of swamp-wet dogs, the acrid stench of overheated, enraged bear, the slippery warm blood of pack members already lost; the simply insufferable noise and confusion in that dank little hole.
    — Paul Schullery, Outdoor Life, 13 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 26 Aug. 2026.

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