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
There would be cameras, protesters and vitriol directed at a high school athlete.
—Marisa Ingemi, Los Angeles Times, 14 May 2026
And while most of the vitriol was rooted in the offense’s poor showing last season, that means little to Dolphins fans.
—Miami Herald, 14 May 2026
In a time of rampant AI slop and widespread misinformation, everyone is susceptible to bots and online vitriol, pushing them further into their preferred political corner.
—Lauren Giella, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 May 2026
It was filled with snark, disgust, vitriol and probably some truth.
—Armando Salguero Outkick, FOXNews.com, 11 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for vitriol
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Marisa Ingemi, Los Angeles Times, 14 May 2026
And while most of the vitriol was rooted in the offense’s poor showing last season, that means little to Dolphins fans.
—Miami Herald, 14 May 2026
In a time of rampant AI slop and widespread misinformation, everyone is susceptible to bots and online vitriol, pushing them further into their preferred political corner.
—Lauren Giella, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 May 2026
It was filled with snark, disgust, vitriol and probably some truth.
—Armando Salguero Outkick, FOXNews.com, 11 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for vitriol
Cite this Entry
“Vitriol.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vitriol. Accessed 21 May. 2026.
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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