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
Synonyms
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
With Burn the Boats, it’s become especially clear that Netflix is the streaming site of choice for comedians who want to spew anti-trans vitriol under the guise of yucking it up on a microphone.
—Mathew Rodriguez, Them, 5 Aug. 2024
His strongman persona has shifted our political culture from policy to personal vitriol.
—Preeti Kulkarni, Baltimore Sun, 2 Aug. 2024
President Biden gave an impassioned speech, calling for unity in the country, and saying hatred, vitriol and violence have no place here.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 16 July 2024
Despite Carini’s statements after the fact, her actions sparked a wildfire of vitriol against Khelif online, where many rushed to accuse her of being secretly transgender or having intersex traits.
—Samantha Riedel, Them, 2 Aug. 2024
See all Example Sentences for vitriol 
Mathew Rodriguez, Them, 5 Aug. 2024
His strongman persona has shifted our political culture from policy to personal vitriol.
—Preeti Kulkarni, Baltimore Sun, 2 Aug. 2024
President Biden gave an impassioned speech, calling for unity in the country, and saying hatred, vitriol and violence have no place here.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 16 July 2024
Despite Carini’s statements after the fact, her actions sparked a wildfire of vitriol against Khelif online, where many rushed to accuse her of being secretly transgender or having intersex traits.
—Samantha Riedel, Them, 2 Aug. 2024
See all Example Sentences for vitriol
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'vitriol.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near vitriol
Cite this Entry
“Vitriol.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vitriol. Accessed 23 Aug. 2024.
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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