What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
vitriolic
Example
The politician's vitriolic attack on his opponent was widely criticized. [vitriolic: adjective]
Example
She responded to the criticism with vitriolic sarcasm. [vitriolic: adjective]
acrimonious
Example
The divorce proceedings turned acrimonious when they couldn't agree on custody. [acrimonious: adjective]
Example
The meeting ended in an acrimonious exchange between the two managers. [acrimonious: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Acrimonious is more commonly used than vitriolic in everyday language. Acrimonious is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while vitriolic is less common and often used in more specific situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between vitriolic and acrimonious?
Both vitriolic and acrimonious are formal words that are typically used in serious or professional contexts. However, vitriolic may have a stronger negative connotation and be perceived as more informal or emotional than acrimonious.
