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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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
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The vibe, never exactly cheerful, and never leavened by a hint of even the most sarcastic sense of humor, takes a turn for the horrific one evening in the wake of the bawdy revels celebrating Tomek’s wedding.—
Jessica Kiang,
Variety,
30 May 2025
Adjective
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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
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All Systems Red is a legible introduction to Wells’ hyper-capitalist, playfully satiric galaxy.—
Rory Doherty,
Time,
16 May 2025
Adjective
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The way the soil responds will give you an idea of whether your soil is acidic, alkaline, or neutral.—
Lauren Landers,
Better Homes & Gardens,
27 May 2025
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The acidic soil at Sutton Hoo, which rotted away the wood of the Anglo-Saxon ship and only left impressions of planks and rows of iron rivets, means that many of the bone combs previously found at Sutton Hoo have not been well-preserved, Howarth said.—
Ashley Strickland,
CNN Money,
24 May 2025
Adjective
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The other eight prisoners who escaped from their cell and hopped the barbed wire fence to freedom have all been recaptured.—
Peter D'Abrosca,
FOXNews.com,
29 May 2025
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Sneakers hang by their laces from barbed wire, dangling above two motorbikes.—
Stephanie Yang,
Los Angeles Times,
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 11 Jun. 2025.
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