vitriolic
Mean, nasty, and caustic as the worst acid, vitriolic words can hurt feelings, break hearts, and even lead to violence.
Vitriolic is an adjective related to the noun vitriol — which means a metal sulphate. However, you will most likely NOT hear vitriolic used to describe a chemical reaction. You are more likely to hear vitriolic used to describe caustic words. We've seen some examples in recent political campaigns, and the results are always embarrassing. Avoid using vitriolic language whenever possible, and you will keep your friends — and your dignity.
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harsh or corrosive in tone“a vitriolic critique”synonyms: acerb, acerbic, acid, acrid, astringent, bitter, blistering, caustic, sulfurous, sulphurous, virulentunpleasantdisagreeable to the senses, to the mind, or feelings
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of a substance, especially a strong acid; capable of destroying or eating away by chemical actiondestructivecausing destruction or much damage
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Vocabulary lists containing vitriolic
Looking to build your vocabulary? Then practice this list of 300 "hard words" — the kind that used to be tested on the SAT before 2016. If you're a high school student prepping for the SAT, check out Vocabulary.com's Roadmap to the SAT, which focuses on the vocabulary you'll need to ace today's SAT test.
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