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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 acerbic
His acerbic sideline rants and berating of players are one thing.
—
Los Angeles Times, 1 Feb. 2025
With its mile-a-minute pace, commitment to political incorrectness, and acerbic, expletive-laden dialogue, Veep is a far cry from the sunnier comedies on this list, skewering every facet of the political process with a take-no-prisoners attitude.
—Taylor Antrim, Vogue, 31 Jan. 2025
Resurrecting a Radical Artist: Forty years after his death, the Californian activist Peter Carr gets a revival of his acerbic paintings and drawings.
—Travis Diehl, New York Times, 8 Jan. 2025
Jean-Baptiste gives an acerbic and unsettling performance — but one not Oscar voters honored.
—Eric Andersson, People.com, 23 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for acerbic
Los Angeles Times, 1 Feb. 2025
With its mile-a-minute pace, commitment to political incorrectness, and acerbic, expletive-laden dialogue, Veep is a far cry from the sunnier comedies on this list, skewering every facet of the political process with a take-no-prisoners attitude.
—Taylor Antrim, Vogue, 31 Jan. 2025
Resurrecting a Radical Artist: Forty years after his death, the Californian activist Peter Carr gets a revival of his acerbic paintings and drawings.
—Travis Diehl, New York Times, 8 Jan. 2025
Jean-Baptiste gives an acerbic and unsettling performance — but one not Oscar voters honored.
—Eric Andersson, People.com, 23 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for acerbic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for acerbic
Adjective
-
Seinfeld is a Jewish man from New York’s Long Island with a wry and sarcastic sense of humor.—
Pam Kragen,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
23 Feb. 2025
-
Others lose a sense of trust by the sarcastic digs, eye rolls, interrupting, or belittling.—
Rachel Glik, Contributor,
CNBC,
4 Feb. 2025
Adjective
-
Misery, a horror movie with a satiric streak, launched Bates’s film stardom.—
Tim Grierson,
Vulture,
21 Feb. 2025
-
The real star of the show, though, is not the satiric script or the campy performances, but rather how each character brings their own unique approach to dressing for the corporate ladder.—
Christian Allaire,
Vogue,
18 Feb. 2025
Adjective
-
The minerals transformed into alkaline magnesium oxide and calcium silicate, both of which react quickly with acidic CO2 in the air.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
2 Mar. 2025
-
Angelonia angustifolia Sun Exposure: Full Soil Type: Fertile, moist, well-draining Soil pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (5.5-6.8) USDA Hardiness Zones: 9 to 11 Commonly called summer snapdragon, this low-maintenance bloomer thrives in the heat and humidity of Southern gardens.—
Kim Toscano,
Southern Living,
27 Feb. 2025
Adjective
-
Mengistu, a member of Israel's Ethiopian minority, entered the territory by crossing a barbed wire fence into Gaza.—
ASSOCIATED PRESS,
TIME,
22 Feb. 2025
-
All pennies will henceforth be exiled to Guantanamo to live out their lives as former currency in orange jumpsuits, behind barbed wire, only inches from the best beaches ever.—
Barry Scott Zellen,
Hartford Courant,
18 Feb. 2025
Adjective
-
Black dragons are the ultimate swamp monsters that shoot an acid breath attack.—
Rob Wieland,
Forbes,
28 Feb. 2025
-
The missing link between a so-so dish and a stellar one is often acid.—
Karla Walsh,
Better Homes & Gardens,
16 Jan. 2025
Articles Related to acerbic
Cite this Entry
“Acerbic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/acerbic. Accessed 9 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share