sour 1 of 2

1
as in acidic
causing or characterized by the one of the four basic taste sensations that is produced chiefly by acids the sour candy made our mouths all wrinkly inside

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2
3
as in unacceptable
falling short of a standard things started off well, but now it's all gone sour

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Examples 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 sour
Verb
Weak economic data seemed to sour the sentiment a bit earlier in the session. Yun Li, CNBC, 22 Dec. 2024 In just over three minutes, Phair manages to capture the agony and discomfort of a relationship that’s just beginning to sour. Emma Specter, Vogue, 17 Dec. 2024
Adjective
The number refers to the five traditional Chinese elements (wood, fire, earth, metal, and water) and flavors (sweet, bitter, sour, salty, and acrid/pungent), of which five-spice achieves a harmonious balance. Sarah Jampel, Bon Appétit, 13 Dec. 2024 There are plenty of sour notes within this dynasty as a legendary mogul (Terrence Howard) and his ruthless wife/partner-in-crime (Taraji P. Henson) try to maintain order while various heirs vie for the throne. Chris Snellgrove, EW.com, 22 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for sour 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sour
Verb
  • Although many have already announced their support, others are weighing the risk of angering the president against the considerable risk that Mr. Kennedy could make America sick again.
    Arthur L. Kellermann, Forbes, 26 Dec. 2024
  • But there would be uproar at such an increase, with supporters already angered over Ratcliffe’s decision to unilaterally hike seats not yet sold this season to a flat rate of £66, with no concessions for over-65s or under-16s.
    Adam Crafton, The Athletic, 23 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Although small quantities of citrus aren’t likely to do damage, placing large amounts of citrus in worm bins can make bins too acidic for red wigglers.
    Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 Dec. 2024
  • The acidic stream will be neutralized or shipped out, and the basic stream will be released into the ocean.
    IEEE Spectrum, IEEE Spectrum, 23 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Good palliative care can ensure that patients avoid unpleasant breathlessness, pain, nausea, and other symptoms.
    Mark Taubert, Newsweek, 20 Dec. 2024
  • At the same time, however, many people described unpleasant feelings associated with December.
    Madeline Fitzgerald, Quartz, 19 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Drivers overwhelmingly perceive drunk driving as dangerous (95%) and socially unacceptable.
    Tanya Mohn, Forbes, 31 Dec. 2024
  • Although party representatives are meant to cede responsibility to the military brass during conflicts, their prominence could complicate the use of AI tools, especially if those technologies recommend politically risky or otherwise unacceptable operations.
    Sam Bresnick, Foreign Affairs, 31 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • In ever more apocalyptic language, Trump has sought to unify his MAGA movement with strongman pledges to defend Americans from millions of hostile foreigners seeking to storm the country and to root out enemy aliens within.
    Julia Preston, Foreign Affairs, 25 Oct. 2024
  • The film follows a ragtag group of actors (played by Tim Allen, Sigourney Weaver, Alan Rickman, among other stars) from an ‘80s sci-fi series who aliens unexpectedly abduct during a convention appearance.
    Matt Juul, BostonGlobe.com, 7 July 2023
Adjective
  • Since azaleas are acid soil-loving plants, pine needles, aged pine bark, or leaf mold are ideal mulches.
    Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 19 Dec. 2024
  • Last year, the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality fined Intel for failing to control air emissions of acid gases at its Hillsboro chip production facility.
    Arlene Blum, Forbes, 17 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Collard greens are a beloved staple in Southern and African American cuisine, celebrated for their hearty texture, slightly bitter taste, and ability to absorb bold flavors.
    Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 29 Dec. 2024
  • The results left the Republicans reduced, bitter and more desperate than ever for a new hero.
    Peter Goldman, Newsweek, 29 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • In the second column, list what feels wrong about the feedback.
    Melody Wilding, Contributor, CNBC, 19 Dec. 2024
  • And two, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with Chandler’s A-to-Z bookends!
    Bob Sassone, Vulture, 19 Dec. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near sour

Cite this Entry

“Sour.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sour. Accessed 5 Jan. 2025.

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