resentment

noun

re·​sent·​ment ri-ˈzent-mənt 

: a feeling of indignant displeasure or persistent ill will at something regarded as a wrong, insult, or injury

Synonyms

• down [chiefly British]
• grievance
• grudge
• score

Choose the Right Synonym for resentment

offense, resentment, umbrage, pique, dudgeon, huff mean an emotional response to or an emotional state resulting from a slight or indignity.

offense implies hurt displeasure.

takes deep offense at racial slurs

resentment suggests lasting indignation or ill will.

harbored a lifelong resentment of his brother

umbrage may suggest hurt pride, resentment, or suspicion of another's motives.

took umbrage at the offer of advice

pique applies to a transient feeling of wounded vanity.

in a pique I foolishly declined the invitation

dudgeon suggests an angry fit of indignation.

stormed out of the meeting in high dudgeon

huff implies a peevish short-lived spell of anger usually at a petty cause.

in a huff he slammed the door

Examples of resentment in a Sentence

She bore bitter feelings of resentment toward her ex-husband.

He's filled with resentment at his boss.

He expressed his resentment of the new policies.

Recent Examples on the Web

Overworking can lead to burnout, stress and resentment, creating a vicious cycle that lowers morale and loyalty. —Dr. Cassandra Henderson, Forbes, 21 Oct. 2024

For instance, the gifts not only give us insight into Joan, but also amplify Gloria's role and resentment in the situation. —Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 18 Oct. 2024

In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, both Brittany and Leo agreed that their breakup was mutual and neither held any resentment toward the other. —Joelle Goldstein, People.com, 10 Oct. 2024

There’s little shown of the resentment or rekindled sparks such a situation could facilitate; the ex-couple are simply too busy trying to steer their sinking ship. —Alison Herman, Variety, 6 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1619, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

resentment

noun

re·​sent·​ment ri-ˈzent-mənt 

: a feeling of angry displeasure at something regarded as a wrong, insult, or injury