ACRID Synonyms: 122 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: When would 'caustic' be a good substitute for 'acrid'?

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

Q: 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

Q: 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

acrid

adjective

ˈa-krəd

Definition of acrid next

as in sore

having or showing deep-seated resentment there have been acrid relations between the two families ever since they fought over that strip of land

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in satirical

marked by the use of wit that is intended to cause hurt feelings Phillipa's acrid comments about the new employee's clothes were met by laughter from everyone at the lunch table

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Examples 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 The air was thick with smoke and the acrid scent of burning oil and metal. —

Alaa Elassar, CNN, 7 Dec. 2024 McDonough plays the acrid spirit of the title character’s dead father, a looming presence still fomenting insecurity and doubt in his son. —

Mike Fleming Jr, Deadline, 3 Dec. 2024 Social media has been bloated with all manner of attack ads and acrid commentary. —

Lance Eliot, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024 While the refinery is a sizable employer, with about 600 employees and 300 contractors operating the site, there have been complaints in recent years of acrid odors, soot and harmful emissions. —

Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 1 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for acrid

Recent Examples of Synonyms for acrid

Adjective

On the other hand, the playoff losses to the San Francisco 49ers sting and the postseason blowout to the Green Bay Packers stick out like a sore thumb.

Saad Yousuf, The Athletic, 16 Jan. 2025
One-Hour Payouts, Guaranteed Payout delays have long been a sore spot for prop traders.

Somesh Kapuria, Forbes, 16 Jan. 2025