vitriol
noun
vit·ri·ol
ˈvi-trē-əl 
1
: bitterly harsh or caustic language or criticism
political commentators spewing angry vitriol
Rumor has always played a role in politics, but rarely have the backstage operatives been so adroit, and so cynical, in their use of vitriol.—
Walter Shapiro
Walter ShapiroCascades of multisyllabic vitriol engulf us as Conrad communicates his utter loathing of television …—Stanley Marcus
Stanley Marcus2
a
: a sulfate of any of various metals (such as copper, iron, or zinc)
especially
: a glassy hydrate of such a sulfate
b
Examples of vitriol in a Sentence
His speech was full of political vitriol.
a film critic noted for the vitriol and sometimes outright cruelty of his pronouncements
Recent Examples on the Web
The huge profits from BP generated online vitriol almost immediately.
—Michelle Chapman, Fortune, 28 Apr. 2026
That was the plan until DeCosta called off a blockbuster trade and all hell broke loose, with much of the public vitriol directed his way.
—Michael Silver, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2026
Bonta and her backers say conservatives have deliberately misled the public about her bill’s purpose, leading to a wave of vitriol and threats against the lawmaker.
—Andrew Graham
april 26, Sacbee.com, 26 Apr. 2026
There’s real vitriol between them.
—Daniel D'addario, Variety, 21 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for vitriol
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Michelle Chapman, Fortune, 28 Apr. 2026
That was the plan until DeCosta called off a blockbuster trade and all hell broke loose, with much of the public vitriol directed his way.
—Michael Silver, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2026
Bonta and her backers say conservatives have deliberately misled the public about her bill’s purpose, leading to a wave of vitriol and threats against the lawmaker.
—Andrew Graham
april 26, Sacbee.com, 26 Apr. 2026
There’s real vitriol between them.
—Daniel D'addario, Variety, 21 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for vitriol
Cite this Entry
“Vitriol.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vitriol. Accessed 4 May. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
vitriol
noun
vit·ri·ol
ˈvi-trē-əl
: something (as written or spoken words) thought to be as harsh and burning as acid
Medical Definition
vitriol
noun
vit·ri·ol
ˈvi-trē-əl
1
: a sulfate of any of various metals (as copper, iron, or zinc)
2
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