Vitriolic
hardvih-tree-OL-ik
adjective
Definition
Filled with bitter criticism or malice
Examples
“The vitriolic attack shocked observers.”
“His vitriolic comments damaged relationships.”
Synonyms
causticacerbicscathingvenomous
Antonyms
Categories
GRE Tip
Vitriolic is a hard-difficulty GRE word. On the GRE, you might see it paired with synonyms like "caustic" or "acerbic" in Sentence Equivalence questions. Look for contrast clues (however, despite, although) that signal the opposite meaning. Words like "amiable".
Related GRE Words
acrimonious
Bitter and sharp in language or tone; caustic
decry
To publicly denounce or criticize
baleful
Threatening harm; menacing; having a harmful or destructive effect
bellicose
Demonstrating aggression and willingness to fight
castigate
To criticize or reprimand severely
denigrate
To criticize unfairly; to disparage or belittle
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