bitter
14 synonyms and 2 antonyms for bitter, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adj — Having a sharp, unpleasant taste, the opposite of sweet.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use bitter
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old English biter, related to the verb "bite" — something bitter was originally thought of as tasting sharp enough to "bite" the tongue.
Full origin of bitter →Frequently asked questions
What does “bitter” mean?
The word “bitter” means having a sharp, unpleasant taste, the opposite of sweet. In plain terms, a sharp, harsh taste, or (of a person) feeling resentful and hurt.
How do you pronounce “bitter”?
“Bitter” is pronounced BIHT-uh (/ˈbɪ.tɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “bitter” in a sentence?
Here is “bitter” used in a sentence: “The coffee was too bitter without sugar.”
What is another word for “bitter”?
Words with a similar meaning to “bitter” include acrid, caustic, acerb, acerbic, bittersome and sharp.
What is the opposite of “bitter”?
The opposite of “bitter” — its antonyms — are optimistic and sweet.
What part of speech is “bitter”?
Depending on how it is used, “bitter” can be an adjective and a noun.
Where does the word “bitter” come from?
The word “bitter” comes from Old English. From Old English biter, related to the verb "bite" — something bitter was originally thought of as tasting sharp enough to "bite" the tongue.
Is “bitter” a common word?
“Bitter” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
What is the difference between 'bitter' and 'sour'?
'Bitter' describes a sharp, often harsh taste like that of black coffee or dark chocolate, while 'sour' describes the acidic tang of foods like lemons or vinegar. They are two distinct basic tastes, even though both are sometimes loosely called 'sharp.'
What is the difference between being 'bitter' and being 'angry'?
Anger is usually an immediate, active emotion, whereas bitterness is a lingering resentment that builds up over time from hurt or disappointment. Someone described as 'bitter' tends to hold on to negative feelings long after the event that caused them.
What is 'a bitter' in British English?
In British English, 'a bitter' is a type of pale ale with a hoppy, moderately bitter flavour, commonly ordered in pubs. Used this way, 'bitter' is a countable noun for the drink rather than an adjective describing taste.