rancorous
Full of spite
Rancorous describes someone harboring deep, bitter resentment—the kind that festers rather than fades.
A rancorous divorce involves lasting hostility.
A rancorous debate is marked by poisonous ill will rather than mere disagreement.
The word suggests grudges nursed over time: Their rancorous history made reconciliation impossible.
Actively opposed or hostile
- venomousProducing injected toxins
- vitriolicHarshly bitter and corrosive
- spitefulWanting to hurt others
- maliciousMeaning to do harm
caustic · belligerent · combative · confrontational · aggressive · pugnacious · truculent · quarrelsome
Seeking harm from resentment
- vengefulWanting to harm back
- malignantHarmfully invasive, often fatal
- hatefulArousing strong dislike
- ill-willedHarboring hostile intentions
spiteful · mean-spirited · maleficent · poisonous · toxic · vicious · cruel · nasty
Prolonged retaliatory conflict
- feudBitter ongoing rivalry
- enmityBitter, lasting ill will
- animosityActive, bitter hostility
- bad bloodLasting hostile feelings
score · grievance · bone to pick · axe to grind · long-standing · deep-seated · harbored · nursed
Feeling lingering ill will
- embitteredMade resentful by hardship
- aggrievedFeeling unjustly wronged
- grudgingReluctant, resentful in giving
- sullenSilently bad-tempered
sour · acrimonious · jaundiced · disgruntled · wounded · brooding · festering · unforgiving
antagonistic
Actively opposed or hostile
- venomousProducing injected toxins
- vitriolicHarshly bitter and corrosive
- spitefulWanting to hurt others
malicious · caustic · belligerent · combative · confrontational · aggressive · pugnacious · truculent · quarrelsome · contentious
vindictive
Seeking harm from resentment
ill-willed · spiteful · mean-spirited · maleficent · poisonous · toxic · vicious · cruel · nasty · baleful
vendetta
Prolonged retaliatory conflict
bad blood · score · grievance · bone to pick · axe to grind · long-standing · deep-seated · harbored · nursed · cherished
resentful
Feeling lingering ill will
- embitteredMade resentful by hardship
- aggrievedFeeling unjustly wronged
- grudgingReluctant, resentful in giving
sullen · sour · acrimonious · jaundiced · disgruntled · wounded · brooding · festering · unforgiving · smoldering
rancorousloving
Feeling deep affection
warmhearted · kindhearted · benevolent · compassionate · tender
rancorousforgiving
Inclined to pardon offenses
unresentful · merciful · forbearing · pardoning · clement