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 For years, residents and students had repeatedly complained about acrid odors from the site, with many suffering chronic headaches and nosebleeds. Tony Briscoe, Los Angeles Times, 14 Feb. 2026 The video snippet left an acrid taste in some people’s mouths. Miguel Otárola, Denver Post, 22 Dec. 2025 Colwin is an Ephron contemporary, without the acrid humor, but of the same Manhattan kitchens and family dinner tables, perhaps more attuned to quiet, lonely suffering. Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 9 Dec. 2025 For example, when trapped or crushed, these beetles release a yellowish defensive fluid from their leg joints that emits a strong, acrid odor and can stain walls or fabrics. Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 27 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for acrid
Recent Examples of Synonyms for acrid
Adjective
  • Toronto's Brandon Ingram sat because of a sore right heel.
    CBS News, CBS News, 2 Apr. 2026
  • Vientos manned first base Thursday with Jorge Polanco still nursing a sore Achilles tendon.
    Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 2 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Among them is a memoir by Kennedy’s wife, Cheryl Hines, and a satirical book about Fauci by Robert Kennedy III.
    Tom Bartlett, The Atlantic, 5 Apr. 2026
  • Dayle’s satirical novel follows a white flag-bearer pretending to be a Black soldier during the Civil War.
    Mike Danahey, Chicago Tribune, 2 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Prices run from €16 for a burrata cheese and tomato bruschetta to €25 for foie gras with bitter marmalade.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 Mar. 2026
  • Schottenheimer’s latest comments inject optimism and a sense of patience from the Cowboys’ sideline, pushing back against speculation of a bitter standoff or imminent trade.
    Rowan Fisher-Shotton, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Doncic held both arms aloft in sarcastic celebration.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 1 Apr. 2026
  • As for the time difference, Shanahan was sarcastic with his response to the San Francisco Chronicle.
    Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 30 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • The 72-year-old coach walked toward Staley in the final seconds of the game before the two had an angry exchange, with assistants having to get in between them.
    David Brandt, Chicago Tribune, 4 Apr. 2026
  • When you're stressed or angry, your cortisol levels rise, which can have adverse effects on your heart, metabolism, and immune system.
    Sharon Basaraba, Verywell Health, 3 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The acidic composition of white vinegar works efficiently to break down the film that can accumulate on your windows.
    Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Kansas City Star, 30 Mar. 2026
  • That’s thanks to a confluence of factors, not least of which is advancing can liner technology that make acidic beverages, like wine, more stable inside the package.
    Kate Bernot, Outside, 30 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Unfortunately, they have been taught to evaluate online communications with that cynical approach.
    Judith Martin, Sun Sentinel, 30 Mar. 2026
  • There's far more acceptance for shows trying to be different than ever before, whether the programme is cynical or hopeful in nature.
    Sergio Pereira, Space.com, 30 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Plants like blueberries, roses, tomatoes, hydrangeas, and azaleas, in particular, are acid and nitrogen lovers.
    Asia London Palomba, The Spruce, 2 Apr. 2026
  • Some of the movie is an acid satire of pre-wedding rituals — like the first dance that Charlie and Emma are dutifully rehearsing for, with a ridiculously stern taskmaster of a coach.
    Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 31 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

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

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