as in to anger
to cause to change from friendly or loving to unfriendly or uncaring
a misunderstanding that soured their relationship for a long time
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
as in unpleasant
not giving pleasure to the mind or senses
you'll have to face up to the sour truth of the matter
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in unacceptable
falling short of a standard
things started off well, but now it's all gone sour
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of sour
Tristan Bove, Fortune, 4 Feb. 2026
Tesla, once the undisputed global leader in electric vehicle sales, has lost that crown as its brand reputation has soured and competition — particularly from China — has grown more intense.
—Camila Domonoske, NPR, 28 Jan. 2026
Kalen Lumpkins, Chicago Tribune, 31 Jan. 2026
The spicy, sour, tangy dressing with tons of fresh herbs was the perfect contrast to such a rich, fatty cut.
—Alaina Chou, Bon Appetit Magazine, 30 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for sour
Verb
New college registrations are dipping, with some citing affordability concerns, a souring entry-level job market, and fears artificial intelligence might make some junior and white-collar employment redundant.
—Tristan Bove, Fortune, 4 Feb. 2026
Tesla, once the undisputed global leader in electric vehicle sales, has lost that crown as its brand reputation has soured and competition — particularly from China — has grown more intense.
—Camila Domonoske, NPR, 28 Jan. 2026
Adjective
The Hawks, though, didn’t want things to go sour twice in 24 hours.
—Kalen Lumpkins, Chicago Tribune, 31 Jan. 2026
The spicy, sour, tangy dressing with tons of fresh herbs was the perfect contrast to such a rich, fatty cut.
—Alaina Chou, Bon Appetit Magazine, 30 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for sour
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sour
Verb
-
But every time Trump takes to social media, angered by drug trafficking – or drone incursions, Sheinbaum Pardo has deftly reminded him of their working partnership, Jacobson said.—
Lauren Villagran,
USA Today,
13 Feb. 2026
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In one of those realities (the actual one most of us are living in), a growing number of people across the political spectrum are angered, terrified and disgusted by actions being taken in their names by people and agencies which seem to have little or no accountability.—
Brenda Looper,
Arkansas Online,
11 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Aluminum foil is heat resistant and can be used to line pans or cover dishes, but isn't nonstick, and may not be safe for acidic food applications.—
Katie Rosenhouse,
Southern Living,
9 Feb. 2026
-
The acidic content in vinegar breaks down mineral deposits, hard water stains, and buildup and neutralizes odors.—
Maria Sabella,
The Spruce,
8 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Over time, this buildup can affect the dishwasher's performance, lead to unpleasant odors, and leave dishes less clean.—
Daley Quinn,
Southern Living,
8 Feb. 2026
-
The water in Griffin was deemed safe to use the same day as the spill, later in the evening, but some residents believed the water still had an unpleasant smell.—
Irene Wright,
USA Today,
6 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Local officials criticized the FAA for imposing the closure without advance notice or coordination, calling the lack of communication unacceptable.—
Seung Min Kim,
Los Angeles Times,
11 Feb. 2026
-
That failure to communicate is unacceptable.—
Jay Blackman,
NBC news,
11 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The movies of 2026 have got it all, from iconic Disney toys and Steven Spielberg aliens to Ghostface and Baby Yoda.—
Brian Truitt,
USA Today,
7 Jan. 2026
-
At the beginning of the book, aliens implant images of tool-using into the minds of man-apes.—
Larissa MacFarquhar,
New Yorker,
27 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
An arrest has been made in an acid attack on a Long Island college student that happened nearly five years ago.—
Alexa Herrera,
CBS News,
10 Feb. 2026
-
As wine lovers’ taste in Chardonnay has moved from ripe and buttery to lean and racy, higher-acid, more-flavorful versions have come into vogue.—
Mike DeSimone,
Robb Report,
8 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Its leader, Tarique Rahman, the son of former prime minister and bitter Hasina rival, the late Khaleda Zia, has since returned to Bangladesh after 17 years of exile and now appears the frontrunner to win.—
Rhea Mogul,
CNN Money,
10 Feb. 2026
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Their 32 points after 25 games have them one above their Sunday hosts and bitter rivals in 13th place in the Premier League, nine clear of the relegation zone.—
Matt Woosnam,
New York Times,
9 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Now Rubio was telling liberal centrist foreign leaders that their entire outlook was wrong, echoing the far-right populist opponents who might well unseat them in upcoming elections.—
Nick Paton Walsh,
CNN Money,
15 Feb. 2026
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And so the custodians became irate when photographs emerged of the actor Sarah Pidgeon, who plays Bessette in Murphy’s show, looking all wrong on set.—
Doreen St. Félix,
New Yorker,
14 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Sour.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sour. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.
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