as in sarcastic
marked by the use of wit that is intended to cause hurt feelings
whispered a steady stream of acerbic comments as the lecturer droned on
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Recent Examples of acerbic
Her acerbic inner monologue (voiced by tennis legend John McEnroe) is a clever meta-commentary on her rage issues, but the lead actress is still the series’ highlight.
—
Andrew Walsh, Entertainment Weekly, 5 Apr. 2026
Mitski has been trying to rein in an ever-present audience gaze since 2018, when her fuzzy, acerbic fifth album Be the Cowboy garnered near-unanimous praise that led to meeting Taylor Swift.
—Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 27 Feb. 2026
Jackie Prutsman is suitably acerbic and Aspen Thompson has particular fun with some physical comedy in the second act.
—Matthew J. Palm, The Orlando Sentinel, 18 Jan. 2026
In her first major big-screen role since May December, an icy-blonde Natalie Portman is Polina Polinski, an ambitious gallerist gearing up for her Art Basel premiere, in this acerbic art world satire from Cathy Yan (Dead Pigs).
—Radhika Seth, Vogue, 6 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for acerbic
Andrew Walsh, Entertainment Weekly, 5 Apr. 2026
Mitski has been trying to rein in an ever-present audience gaze since 2018, when her fuzzy, acerbic fifth album Be the Cowboy garnered near-unanimous praise that led to meeting Taylor Swift.
—Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 27 Feb. 2026
Jackie Prutsman is suitably acerbic and Aspen Thompson has particular fun with some physical comedy in the second act.
—Matthew J. Palm, The Orlando Sentinel, 18 Jan. 2026
In her first major big-screen role since May December, an icy-blonde Natalie Portman is Polina Polinski, an ambitious gallerist gearing up for her Art Basel premiere, in this acerbic art world satire from Cathy Yan (Dead Pigs).
—Radhika Seth, Vogue, 6 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for acerbic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for acerbic
Adjective
-
Now, in a more intimate setting, the sullen and sometimes-sarcastic shadings of this longtime singer-songwriter should hark back to Folds’ fledgling days on the alt-music scene.—
David L. Coddon,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
14 May 2026
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In addition to Miranda's scathing remarks to Andy (Anne Hathaway) while trying to complete seemingly impossible tasks, Emily (Emily Blunt) and Nigel (Stanley Tucci) taught her how to navigate office politics with their own sarcastic comments.—
Christopher Rudolph,
PEOPLE,
3 May 2026
Adjective
-
Its satirical aim feels spot-on.—
Inkoo Kang,
New Yorker,
17 May 2026
-
Carter was the founder of the satirical monthly Spy and newsletter Air Mail.—
Matt Donnelly,
Variety,
14 May 2026
Adjective
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As the tissue breaks down, your mouth loses its protective barrier against germs, acidic foods, and irritation.—
Brandi Jones,
Health,
19 May 2026
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Pairing hot peppers with acidic ingredients, such as lime juice or vinegar, or with dairy, can help neutralize some of the jalapeño heat.—
Lauren Landers,
Better Homes & Gardens,
18 May 2026
Adjective
-
Misogyny runs deep, quiet, local, and sharp as barbed wire.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
15 May 2026
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Surveillance camera footage captured Mott scaling an 8-foot fence topped with barbed wire at the perimeter of the airport in just 15 seconds, then walking across the runway.—
Clara Harter,
Los Angeles Times,
13 May 2026
Adjective
-
Insults were par for the course at The Roast of Kevin Hart, but some jokes had more acid than others.—
Jason P. Frank,
Vulture,
11 May 2026
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If choosing wines, focus on bright, higher-acid white wines that cut through the mouth-coating fattiness of cheese.—
Anna Lee Iijima,
Chicago Tribune,
20 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Acerbic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/acerbic. Accessed 22 May. 2026.
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