Definition of acridnext
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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective acrid contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of acrid are caustic, mordant, and scathing. While all these words mean "stingingly incisive," acrid implies bitterness and often malevolence.

acrid invective

When would caustic be a good substitute for acrid?

While in some cases nearly identical to acrid, caustic suggests a biting wit.

caustic comments

When can mordant be used instead of acrid?

The words mordant and acrid are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, mordant suggests a wit that is used with deadly effectiveness.

mordant reviews of the play

In what contexts can scathing take the place of acrid?

In some situations, the words scathing and acrid are roughly equivalent. However, scathing implies indignant attacks delivered with fierce severity.

a scathing satire

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of acrid An acrid musk of unfiltered Camels clung to everything. Christopher Borrelli, Chicago Tribune, 26 Mar. 2026 As the smoke and acrid odor from Netflix’s over-the-top pregame production cleared, two figures emerged from the haze to throw out the ceremonial first pitch of the 2026 baseball season. Sports Columnist, San Francisco Chronicle, 25 Mar. 2026 This subcolony was independent of Hobart until 1812, a harbinger of the intense regional feeling (sometimes becoming acrid jealousy) that has long characterized the Tasmanian experience. Britannica Editors, Encyclopedia Britannica, 19 Mar. 2026 There’s no shortage of stylish craft here and much to enjoy in the performances, but ultimately, Rosebush Pruning is too glib to work, leaving only an acrid aftertaste. David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 14 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for acrid
Recent Examples of Synonyms for acrid
Adjective
  • Near the middle of the group stands a pint-size teenage Vicky, pale and bleach-blond, sticking out like a sore thumb.
    Jeff Ihaza, Rolling Stone, 25 June 2026
  • Behind her stood an image of a rendering of a permanent memorial honoring the 98 collapse victims that has yet to materialize, a sore subject that was mentioned several times during the event, along with condolences, family memories and words of encouragement.
    Amanda Rosa, Miami Herald, 24 June 2026
Adjective
  • Since premiering in 2014, the satirical news program has earned 32 Emmy Awards, including program and writing wins for 10 consecutive years at the Primetime Emmy Awards, along with multiple Peabody, GLAAD, Writers Guild and Producers Guild honors.
    Lily Brown, PEOPLE, 29 June 2026
  • On Tuesday, protesters were asked to bring diapers and write demands for Pradhan’s resignation on them – a satirical swipe at the government’s inability to stop exam leaks, Dipke said.
    Rhea Mogul, CNN Money, 26 June 2026
Adjective
  • But to pay that extra and miss out on one of Samsung’s best hardware inventions in years would be a bitter pill to swallow.
    Janhoi McGregor, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026
  • Many Lebanese also have bitter memories of the decades of Syrian occupation of Lebanon, which began during the Lebanese civil war, initially at the request of Lebanese authorities and with the backing of Arab states, ending in 2005.
    ABC News, ABC News, 28 June 2026
Adjective
  • This is taken as evidence of his status, not a sarcastic criticism.
    Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 July 2026
  • On Monday night, Contreras was ejected in the second inning after a check-swing strikeout prompted him to give a sarcastic ABS challenge gesture at the umpire, earning an instant boot.
    Alejandro Avila OutKick, FOXNews.com, 1 July 2026
Adjective
  • The Commission ultimately left it at 400 feet, prompting an intense reaction from the angry crowd.
    Alysa Guffey, IndyStar, 2 July 2026
  • Some of the women who were angry contacted the SFMOMA not simply to share feedback, but to try to ensure Bahr could never work with the institution again.
    Lisa Curtis, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026
Adjective
  • Avocado, tomatillos, a serrano pepper, and lime are mixed together in just five minutes to make a bright and acidic dip that's served best with your favorite tortilla chips.
    Jenna Sims, Southern Living, 1 July 2026
  • It’s absorbed without needing food or a highly acidic environment.
    Taylor Lane, Flow Space, 30 June 2026
Adjective
  • Traditionally cynical and perceptive commentators—not to mention a lot of tired citizens—found themselves, in some accounts, overcome by an unexpected wave of patriotic sentimentality that washed away, at least for a moment, their gnawing doubts.
    Christopher Hooks, Harpers Magazine, 23 June 2026
  • Heston is at his most gleefully cynical as Robert Thorn, a police detective who lives and works in a New York City decimated by environmental deterioration and dwindling resources.
    Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 23 June 2026
Adjective
  • Scotto highlighted that Kinetik has purpose-built its system for sour gas handling, giving it an edge over new competitors that may face permitting delays of at least three years to build acid gas injection wells.
    TipRanks.com Staff, CNBC, 21 June 2026
  • On the other hand, a hydrangea species that can sometimes disappoint Chicago-area gardeners is the bigleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla), known for having big blue blooms when grown in acid soil and popular in the eastern United States.
    Beth Botts, Chicago Tribune, 20 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Acrid.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/acrid. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.

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