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Definition of rancorous

rancorous

/ˈræŋ.kər.əs/
ran · cor · ous
Adverb:rancorously
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rancorous Lexical Profile

rancorous Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Characterized by, feeling, or expressing deep-seated bitterness, malice, or long-standing resentment.

Example

"Years of unresolved contract disputes led to a rancorous debate among the board members."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for rancorous

• Nearby Words

rancidly
rancidness
rancor
rancorous
rancorousness
rand
rando

Word Origin & Etymology

Late 14th century, from Old French rancuros, from Medieval Latin rancorosus, derived from Latin rancor ('rancidness, a stinking smell') and figuratively 'a deep-seated grudge or bitterness', from rancere ('to stink or be rank').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Rancorous. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/rancorous
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