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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of acerbic
Matthew Goode is phenomenal as the acerbic DCI Morck, but so is every other actor on the series.
—
Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 4 June 2025
Gary Oldman plays the acerbic Jackson Lamb, the odoriferous chief of Slough House where MI5 agents who just can’t cut it – or who are being punished for one reason or another – are sent.
—Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 3 June 2025
Even the most vegan among us can’t resist a bleeding slice of Broadway beef: Andrew Lloyd Webber, President Trump, and Madonna have all been targets of her acerbic commentary.
—Raven Smith, Vogue, 28 May 2025
Jean Smart has earned three Emmys for her portrayal of acerbic Vegas comedy legend Deborah Vance, and Hannah Einbinder has established her career bona fides (and earned three Emmy nominations) as Deborah’s not-exactly-loyal employee, 20-something comedy writer Ava Daniels.
—Akiva Gottlieb, Los Angeles Times, 22 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for acerbic
Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 4 June 2025
Gary Oldman plays the acerbic Jackson Lamb, the odoriferous chief of Slough House where MI5 agents who just can’t cut it – or who are being punished for one reason or another – are sent.
—Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 3 June 2025
Even the most vegan among us can’t resist a bleeding slice of Broadway beef: Andrew Lloyd Webber, President Trump, and Madonna have all been targets of her acerbic commentary.
—Raven Smith, Vogue, 28 May 2025
Jean Smart has earned three Emmys for her portrayal of acerbic Vegas comedy legend Deborah Vance, and Hannah Einbinder has established her career bona fides (and earned three Emmy nominations) as Deborah’s not-exactly-loyal employee, 20-something comedy writer Ava Daniels.
—Akiva Gottlieb, Los Angeles Times, 22 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for acerbic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for acerbic
Adjective
-
His passion for all-things superhero has a giddy innocence to it even when his films are sarcastic or jokey.—
Tim Grierson,
Vulture,
11 July 2025
-
Both of us were sarcastic and fun and funny, and always making jokes and pranks and just having fun with everybody on set.—
Daniela Avila,
People.com,
9 July 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
-
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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In oxygen-rich soil, microbes thrive, contributing to decay, and acidic pH levels erode natural materials like leather.—
Kameryn Griesser,
CNN Money,
12 July 2025
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The sharp, slightly sour sauce brought the fries back to life with an acidic, satisfying kick.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
10 July 2025
Adjective
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Investigators learned that Zeng, during his alleged escape, threw clothing over a fence and climbed through barbed wire, Podgorski said.—
Justin Muszynski,
Hartford Courant,
14 July 2025
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This is the culmination of storylines, careers and blood feuds wrapped in a Lone Star barbed wire bow.—
Jenny Catlin,
New York Times,
12 July 2025
Adjective
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From lo-fi hip-hop to chamber pop, from acid funk to orchestral rock, the fingerprints remain.—
Philip Martin,
Arkansas Online,
15 June 2025
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The floors are done in chestnut-toned wood, with acid green carpets made from bamboo silk, while the VVIP suite has its own private sitting room.—
Samantha Conti,
Footwear News,
11 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Acerbic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/acerbic. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.
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