bitterness
12 synonyms and 1 antonym for bitterness, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A sharp, unpleasant taste, the opposite of sweetness.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use bitterness
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
a sense of bitterness
bitterness toward someone
the bitterness of defeat
Etymology
From Old English biternes, built from bitter plus the noun-forming suffix -ness.
Full origin of bitterness →Frequently asked questions
What does “bitterness” mean?
The word “bitterness” means a sharp, unpleasant taste, the opposite of sweetness. In plain terms, either a sharp taste or a sharp, lingering feeling of resentment.
How do you pronounce “bitterness”?
“Bitterness” is pronounced BIH-tuh-nuhs (/ˈbɪtənəs/ in IPA).
How do you use “bitterness” in a sentence?
Here is “bitterness” used in a sentence: “The bitterness of the coffee surprised her after the sugar ran out.”
What is another word for “bitterness”?
Words with a similar meaning to “bitterness” include acerbicness, acridity, acridness, acerbity, alkalinity and astringency.
What is the opposite of “bitterness”?
The opposite of “bitterness” — its antonyms — is sweetness.
What part of speech is “bitterness”?
“Bitterness” is a noun.
Where does the word “bitterness” come from?
The word “bitterness” comes from Old English. From Old English biternes, built from bitter plus the noun-forming suffix -ness.
Is “bitterness” a common word?
“Bitterness” is an uncommon word in modern English.
