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
His tone is matter-of-fact, but the vitriol has heightened lately.
—Fred Schruers, Rolling Stone, 26 Jan. 2026
The debates, and the vitriol, were endless.
—Rebecca Mead, New Yorker, 19 Jan. 2026
Most of the vitriol has been aimed at the UAE, with Emiratis largely exercising restraint — and, unlike the Qatar episode, both are avoiding personal attacks on rulers (or their mothers).
—Mohammed Sergie, semafor.com, 9 Jan. 2026
The post was a far cry from the vitriol that’s come from Van Hollen on all things Israel.
—Bobby Zirkin, Baltimore Sun, 8 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for vitriol
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Fred Schruers, Rolling Stone, 26 Jan. 2026
The debates, and the vitriol, were endless.
—Rebecca Mead, New Yorker, 19 Jan. 2026
Most of the vitriol has been aimed at the UAE, with Emiratis largely exercising restraint — and, unlike the Qatar episode, both are avoiding personal attacks on rulers (or their mothers).
—Mohammed Sergie, semafor.com, 9 Jan. 2026
The post was a far cry from the vitriol that’s come from Van Hollen on all things Israel.
—Bobby Zirkin, Baltimore Sun, 8 Jan. 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 3 Feb. 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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