Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Showing results for bitter.
Definitions

bitter

[bit-er] / ˈbɪt ər /
ADJECTIVE
pungent, sharp
Synonyms
STRONGEST
harsh sour
STRONG
acid astringent tart
WEAK
absinthal absinthian acerb acerbic acrid amaroidal unsweetened vinegary
Antonyms
STRONG
bland sweet
WEAK
agreeable content genial good helping kind mild nice pleasant wonderful
ADJECTIVE
hostile, nasty
Synonyms
STRONGEST
acrimonious biting caustic fierce hateful intense rancorous resentful severe sour stinging vitriolic
STRONG
alienated begrudging divided embittered freezing sore
WEAK
antagonistic crabby irreconcilable morose sardonic sullen virulent with chip on shoulder
Antonyms
STRONGEST
calm friendly kind mild nice pleasant sweet
WEAK
agreeable bland content genial good helping wonderful
ADJECTIVE
painful, distressing
Synonyms
STRONGEST
bad brutal cruel disturbing harsh intense poignant savage severe sharp stinging unpleasant
STRONG
annoying displeasing galling offensive provoking
WEAK
afflictive calamitous dire disagreeable distasteful grievous hard heartbreaking hurtful inclement intemperate merciless rigorous rugged ruthless unpalatable vexatious woeful
Antonyms
STRONGEST
benevolent blunt calm dull easy gentle good honest kind mild moderate nice pleasant pleasing
STRONG
agreeable soothing
WEAK
bland content genial helping sweet wonderful

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.

The Champions Cup had provided Harlequins with some bright spots in a troubled campaign so this home defeat by another out-of-form team will be a bitter blow.

From BBC • Apr. 4, 2026

Though last year’s Final Four run ended in bitter heartbreak, Kirstie is more optimistic about UCLA’s chances this year.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 4, 2026

While potassium salt has a similar flavor, it can develop a slightly bitter taste when heated.

From Science Daily • Mar. 31, 2026

It has been a bitter issue between India and several Western nations with large Sikh populations.

From Barron's • Mar. 24, 2026

It was so black and bitter I couldn't get it down.

From "Black Star, Bright Dawn" by Scott O'Dell

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.