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
The White House has refused to level acerbic criticism at the Kremlin throughout slow-moving ceasefire negotiations, but has berated Ukraine's leader, Volodymyr Zelensky, and insinuated Ukraine started the war in eastern Europe more than three years ago.
—
Ellie Cook, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 May 2025
Critics have praised the film for its raw and honest portrayal of a relationship and acerbic wit.
—Matt Donnelly, Variety, 9 May 2025
His acerbic critique rendered the subject taboo for a generation, says Victor Mair, an expert on Chinese language at the University of Pennsylvania.
—Cody Cottier, Scientific American, 9 May 2025
The vocalist whose acerbic, quick-witted persona on X has become one of his calling cards was at it again a few weeks ago when asked which act will open up his and brother Noel Gallagher’s shows in South America in November.
—Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 1 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for acerbic
Ellie Cook, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 May 2025
Critics have praised the film for its raw and honest portrayal of a relationship and acerbic wit.
—Matt Donnelly, Variety, 9 May 2025
His acerbic critique rendered the subject taboo for a generation, says Victor Mair, an expert on Chinese language at the University of Pennsylvania.
—Cody Cottier, Scientific American, 9 May 2025
The vocalist whose acerbic, quick-witted persona on X has become one of his calling cards was at it again a few weeks ago when asked which act will open up his and brother Noel Gallagher’s shows in South America in November.
—Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 1 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for acerbic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for acerbic
Adjective
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Practically speaking, Pegasus is intelligent and resourceful, sarcastic and strong-minded, with a sharp personality and a quick wit.—
EW Staff,
EW.com,
27 May 2025
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Still, Ernst shared a sarcastic apology video after facing criticism from Democrats over her response to the town hall attendees' concerns.—
Savannah Kuchar,
USA Today,
2 June 2025
Adjective
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The poem is part love quest, part account of Italy’s battles; in places profoundly serious, in places satiric.—
The New Yorker,
New Yorker,
11 June 2025
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Neither damning nor satiric, W. is oddly wistful, almost regretful — rare sentiments in a Stone film.—
Will Leitch,
Vulture,
17 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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Part sun Soil Type: Organic, medium moisture, well-draining Soil pH: Slightly acidic (5.5-7.5) USDA Hardiness Zones: 8 to 11 A most unique agapanthus with variegated foliage and lilac blooms, 'Neverland' thrives in the heat and humidity of Southern gardens.—
Kim Toscano,
Southern Living,
6 June 2025
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To balance their intensity, Wegman recommended using acidic ingredients like lemon or garlic.—
Helen Carefoot,
Verywell Health,
6 June 2025
Adjective
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Louisiana Attorney General's Office via AP The group of inmates escaped by yanking open a faulty cell door, removing a toilet, crawling through a hole and scaling a barbed wire fence in the early morning hours when a lone guard left to get food.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
9 June 2025
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Washington, of course, knows all of this and has responded with barbed words.—
Daniel DePetris,
Chicago Tribune,
27 May 2025
Adjective
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For years, India had no dedicated laws addressing acid violence, leaving survivors isolated and facing overwhelming physical, emotional, and economic challenges.—
Iona Brannon,
AFAR Media,
6 May 2025
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Azaleas do like an acid soil and grow best when the soil acidity is in the pH range of 4.5 to 5.5.—
Tom MacCubbin,
The Orlando Sentinel,
24 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Acerbic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/acerbic. Accessed 18 Jun. 2025.
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