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Definitions

bitter pill

NOUN
something unavoidable and unpleasant
Synonyms


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Leonard played 65 games and averaged a career-best 27.9 points, however Wednesday’s loss was a bitter pill to swallow.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 16, 2026

“This will be a bitter pill to swallow,” SGH Macro’s Duy said.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 23, 2026

Paramount would have a bitter pill to swallow if regulators actually blocked the transaction.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 20, 2026

Defeat was another bitter pill for Zverev, who is still searching for a first Slam crown aged 28 after being a three-time finalist, including last year in Australia when Jannik Sinner beat him.

From Barron's • Jan. 30, 2026

Given that Russia was at this point at the very vanguard of modernism it was a bitter pill to swallow, and understandably so.

From "The Story of Music" by Howard Goodall