Acrimonious
hardak-ruh-MOH-nee-us
adjective
Definition
Bitter and sharp in language or tone; caustic
Examples
“The acrimonious divorce proceedings lasted for over two years.”
“What began as a civil discussion turned acrimonious.”
Categories
GRE Tip
Acrimonious is a hard-difficulty GRE word. On the GRE, you might see it paired with synonyms like "caustic" or "vitriolic" in Sentence Equivalence questions. Look for contrast clues (however, despite, although) that signal the opposite meaning. Words like "amicable".
Related GRE Words
rancorous
Characterized by bitterness or resentment
vitriolic
Filled with bitter criticism or malice
taciturn
Reserved or uncommunicative in speech; saying little
reticent
Not revealing one's thoughts or feelings readily; reserved
garrulous
Excessively talkative, especially on trivial matters
laconic
Using very few words; concise to the point of seeming rude or mysterious
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