(typically of speech or a debate) angry and bitter.
‘an acrimonious dispute about wages’
‘The deal was reached on Sunday after five days of sometimes acrimonious negotiations.’
‘There could be as much bitter and acrimonious political argument and debate as they liked, but from now on all problems had to be resolved politically.’
‘The more acrimonious and bitter an argument or election contest appears to be, the less likely it is that anything of principle will really be at stake.’
‘It was a bitter, acrimonious divorce that involved lawyers and an emotional tug-of-war over access to Leon.’
‘The obvious reason is that the debates became so acrimonious and bitter, that the Generals ordered him to desist.’
‘The discussions became acrimonious enough for Halifax to consider resigning.’
‘Up to now no-one outside the lifeboat station has a clue what the long-running and acrimonious dispute is all about.’
‘The company was involved in an acrimonious tax dispute with the local government earlier this year.’
‘I chose the more sophisticated outfit, but almost immediately an acrimonious dispute halted work.’
‘Emery was estranged from his fourth wife and a remarkable and acrimonious dispute blew up between the two women.’
‘Matters came to a head in 1925 when, after acrimonious dispute, his work ceased with the project unfinished.’
‘We will also get into acrimonious discussions on morality and values.’
‘The relation between the two opposing camps was bitter and the interaction, acrimonious.’
‘After discussions, which at stages were acrimonious, payments were made.’
‘It's deadlock, with only acrimonious court battles and a bitter tug-of-love to look forward to.’
‘Certainly the tone of her letters changes and the pace of the relationship becomes more settled, albeit fiery and sometimes acrimonious.’
‘It also reveals a rivalry between some of the top DJs that is certainly more friendly than acrimonious.’
‘Questions were raised about cost, in an atmosphere that grew increasingly acrimonious.’
‘There has also been a shift away from acrimonious court proceedings.’
‘Tuesday's skirmish with the tribunal judges was merely the latest of many acrimonious bust-ups.’