resentful

adjective

re·​sent·​ful ri-ˈzent-fəl How to pronounce resentful (audio)
Synonyms of resentfulnext
1
: full of resentment : inclined to resent
She felt resentful about being demoted.
2
: caused or marked by resentment
resentful anger
resentfully adverb
resentfulness noun

Examples of resentful in a Sentence

She is resentful about being demoted. She gave me a resentful glare. a resentful letter to the editor
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Hong Chau is a great choice for the adult Nelly, a quietly resentful sort who causes more friction in Cathy and Heathcliff's tempestuous situation. Brian Truitt, USA Today, 10 Feb. 2026 Feeling bored, resentful and trapped by domestic life, Hedda hatches a plan to destroy her husband’s potential career rival, Eilert Lovberg, who happens to be her ex-lover. Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Feb. 2026 But sitting tight at one’s job has, for many, resulted in feeling detached, trapped, and resentful; over time, staying in a role you’re mentally checked out of can even fuel burnout. Orianna Rosa Royle, Fortune, 29 Jan. 2026 As the franchise struggled to recapture the magic established under Jerry Buss, Jeanie had grown distant and resentful, the report said, that James didn’t take accountability for involvement with the decision to acquire Russell Westbrook in 2021. Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 23 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for resentful

Word History

First Known Use

1656, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of resentful was in 1656

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Cite this Entry

“Resentful.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/resentful. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.

Kids Definition

resentful

adjective
re·​sent·​ful ri-ˈzent-fəl How to pronounce resentful (audio)
1
: full of resentment
felt resentful of her success
2
: caused or marked by resentment
a resentful reply to a letter
resentfully adverb
resentfulness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on resentful

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