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
Kyle Walker departed on loan to Milan in January amid nosediving form and, in some cases, vitriol from exasperated supporters.
—Sam Lee, New York Times, 21 May 2025
Both sides have since claimed victory and, in the febrile aftermath of the short conflict, media coverage in India and Pakistan has seen high levels of nationalist vitriol and hyperbole.
—Rhea Mogul, CNN Money, 20 May 2025
Instead of a contentious campaign trail marked by vitriol and mudslinging, Olivieri and Iverson showed us what’s possible when candidates truly put their community first.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 20 Apr. 2025
Murder case draws widespread attention The killing of Thompson and the arrest of Mangione have incited both worry among corporate executives and vitriol against the U.S. health care system.
—Christopher Cann, USA Today, 17 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for vitriol
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Sam Lee, New York Times, 21 May 2025
Both sides have since claimed victory and, in the febrile aftermath of the short conflict, media coverage in India and Pakistan has seen high levels of nationalist vitriol and hyperbole.
—Rhea Mogul, CNN Money, 20 May 2025
Instead of a contentious campaign trail marked by vitriol and mudslinging, Olivieri and Iverson showed us what’s possible when candidates truly put their community first.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 20 Apr. 2025
Murder case draws widespread attention The killing of Thompson and the arrest of Mangione have incited both worry among corporate executives and vitriol against the U.S. health care system.
—Christopher Cann, USA Today, 17 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for vitriol
Cite this Entry
“Vitriol.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vitriol. Accessed 24 May. 2025.
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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