If you describe someone's language or behaviour as vitriolic, you disapprove of it because it is full of bitterness and hate, and so causes a lot of distress and pain.
[disapproval]
There was a vicious and vitriolic attack on him in one of the Sunday newspapers twoweeks ago.
Synonyms: venomous, scathing, malicious, acid More Synonyms of vitriolic
vitriolic in British English
(ˌvɪtrɪˈɒlɪk)
adjective
1.
(of a substance, esp a strong acid) highly corrosive
2.
severely bitter or caustic; virulent
vitriolic criticism
vitriolic in American English
(ˌvɪtriˈɑlɪk)
adjective
1.
of, like, or derived from a vitriol
2.
extremely biting or caustic; sharp and bitter
vitriolic talk
Word origin
Fr vitriolique
Examples of 'vitriolic' in a sentence
vitriolic
The backlash is beginning: you can see it in the graffiti, and vitriolic comments on local online forums.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
The latter image has sparked the most vitriolic attacks against the film.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
And three years ago she was subjected to vitriolic abuse after posting a bikini picture of herself on her personal blog.
The Sun (2012)
Last week's vitriolic attacks obliged the local party establishment to close ranks around her.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
No England selection has sprung as much surprise or provoked such vitriolic criticism.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
I particularly remember it because of the vitriolic comments the piece received.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
Shortly before the 1987 election, she launched a vitriolic attack on him.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
Much of what we have heard so far is unsurprising: absurd pledges on spending, vitriolic attacks on cuts.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
(adjective)
Definition
(of language) severely bitter or harsh
There was a vicious and vitriolic attack on him in the tabloids.
Synonyms
venomous
The adder is Britain's only venomous snake.
scathing
He then launched a scathing attack on previous leaders.
malicious
She described the charges as malicious.
acid
a comedy told with compassion and acid humour
bitter
destructive
withering
virulent
A virulent personal campaign is being waged against him.
sardonic
a sardonic sense of humour
caustic
He was well known for his abrasive wit and caustic comments.
bitchy (informal)
They say bitchy things about each other.
acerbic
comments made in a spirit of acerbic wit
envenomed
dripping with malice
Additional synonyms
in the sense of acerbic
Definition
harsh or bitter
comments made in a spirit of acerbic wit
Synonyms
sharp,
cutting,
biting,
severe,
acid,
bitter,
nasty,
harsh,
stern,
rude,
scathing,
acrimonious,
barbed,
unkind,
unfriendly,
sarcastic,
sardonic,
caustic,
churlish,
vitriolic,
trenchant,
acrid,
brusque,
rancorous,
mordant,
mordacious
in the sense of acid
Definition
sharp in speech or manner
a comedy told with compassion and acid humour
Synonyms
sharp,
cutting,
biting,
severe,
bitter,
harsh,
stinging,
scathing,
acrimonious,
barbed,
pungent,
hurtful,
sarcastic,
sardonic,
caustic,
vitriolic,
acerbic,
trenchant,
mordant,
mordacious
in the sense of bitchy
Definition
spiteful or malicious
They say bitchy things about each other.
Synonyms
spiteful,
mean,
nasty,
cruel,
vicious,
malicious,
barbed,
vindictive,
malevolent,
venomous,
snide,
rancorous,
catty (informal),
backbiting,
shrewish,
ill-natured,
vixenish,
snarky (informal)
Nearby words of
vitriolic
vitality
vitiate
vitiation
vitriolic
vituperate
vituperation
vituperative
Synonyms of 'vitriolic'
vitriolic
Explore 'vitriolic' in the dictionary
Additional synonyms
in the sense of caustic
Definition
bitter and sarcastic
He was well known for his abrasive wit and caustic comments.
Synonyms
sarcastic,
biting,
keen,
cutting,
severe,
stinging,
scathing,
acrimonious,
pungent,
vitriolic,
trenchant,
mordant,
mordacious
in the sense of malicious
She described the charges as malicious.
Synonyms
spiteful,
malevolent,
malignant,
vicious,
bitter,
resentful,
pernicious (formal),
vengeful,
bitchy (informal),
hateful,
baleful,
injurious,
rancorous,
catty (informal),
shrewish,
ill-disposed,
evil-minded,
ill-natured
in the sense of sardonic
Definition
(of behaviour) mocking or scornful
a sardonic sense of humour
Synonyms
mocking,
cynical,
dry,
bitter,
sneering,
jeering,
malicious,
wry,
sarcastic,
derisive,
ironical,
mordant,
mordacious
in the sense of scathing
Definition
harshly critical
He then launched a scathing attack on previous leaders.
Synonyms
critical,
cutting,
biting,
harsh,
savage,
brutal,
searing,
withering,
belittling,
sarcastic,
caustic,
scornful,
vitriolic,
trenchant,
mordant,
mordacious
in the sense of virulent
Definition
extremely bitter or hostile
A virulent personal campaign is being waged against him.