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sour Synonyms

Another word for sour

Choosing another word for sour depends on context, so the 49 synonyms and similar words below are separated across 6 exact definitions and ranked by match strength.
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• adjective (Context 1)

Having a sharp, acidic taste similar to that of lemons or vinegar.

Usage Example

"The unripe green apples were far too tart to eat raw."

Strongest
tart
acidic
Strong
acid
tangy
sharp
vinegary
astringent
acerbic
Weak
acidulous

• verb (Context 2)

To make or become less pleasant, friendly, or favorable (especially of a relationship, mood, or economic situation).

Usage Example

"A dispute over the family inheritance soured their relationship for years."

Strongest
embitter
Strong
spoil
mar
poison
taint
ruin
deteriorate
worsen
blight

• adjective (Context 3)

Spoiled or fermented into an unpleasant acidic state (especially of milk or other dairy products).

Usage Example

"She poured out the carton of milk after noticing its spoiled smell."

Strongest
spoiled
curdled
off
Strong
turned
rancid
bad
fermented
addled

• adjective (Context 4)

Resentful, morose, or unpleasant in mood, attitude, or expression.

Usage Example

"He gave a morose look when asked to stay late at the office."

Strongest
morose
sullen
surly
Strong
bitter
churlish
crabbed
peevish
grumpy
dour
ill-natured

• verb (Context 5)

To make or become acidic, fermented, or spoiled in taste or smell.

Usage Example

"Leaving the cream out on the counter in warm weather will quickly curdle it."

Strongest
curdle
turn
spoil
Strong
ferment
go bad
go off
acidify
clabber

• noun (Context 6)

The quality or sensation of having a sharp, acidic taste.

Usage Example

"The sauce balances the sweet and the sourness in every bite."

Strongest
sourness
tartness
Strong
acidity
tang
sharpness
Weak
acerbitude

Opposites of sour

The opposite of sour shifts depending on context. Common opposites include:

sweet
fresh
cheerful
sweetness
pleasant
unspoiled
sweeten
sugary
See all opposites of sour

Cite this Entry


Wordmom. (2026). Synonyms for Sour. In Wordmom Thesaurus. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/synonyms/sour
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