vitriolic — filled with bitter criticism or malice; extremely harsh and caustic
Part of speech: ADJECTIVE
Definition: filled with bitter criticism or malice; extremely harsh and caustic
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˌvɪtriˈɑːlɪk/
Example Sentences
- The food critic's vitriolic review made the chef cry into his soup.
- Her vitriolic email to customer service got an immediate response.
- The movie review was so vitriolic that even the director's mother unfriended him on social media.
vitriolic
ADJECTIVE[/ˌvɪtriˈɑːlɪk/]
filled with bitter criticism or malice; extremely harsh and caustic

The critic's vitriolic review left the young playwright in tears backstage.

Vit licks real poison - spits vitriolic words that melt everything!

The vitriolic workaholic meets his alcoholic colleague
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Medieval Latin vitiolum, diminutive of vitrum meaning 'glass,' combined with the suffix -ic. The word evolved through the association of vitriol (sulfuric acid) with its corrosive, glass-like appearance, metaphorically describing harsh or biting speech.
Breakdown
vitriol (from Latin vitrum, glass/sulfuric acid) + -ic (adjective suffix meaning 'of or relating to') = vitriolic
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The food critic's vitriolic review made the chef cry into his soup.”
“Her vitriolic email to customer service got an immediate response.”
“The movie review was so vitriolic that even the director's mother unfriended him on social media.”
“The debate turned vitriolic when they started discussing pineapple on pizza.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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