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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 However, the fire released a toxic cloud of gasses and acrid smoke which drifted north. Tim Bajarin, Forbes, 23 Jan. 2025 What was lost among the callous accusations, the memes and meta-memes, and the lightly acrid smell hanging over the Drake-Kendrick beef is the last-gaspness of it all. Jon Caramanica, New York Times, 24 Dec. 2024 The number refers to the five traditional Chinese elements (wood, fire, earth, metal, and water) and flavors (sweet, bitter, sour, salty, and acrid/pungent), of which five-spice achieves a harmonious balance. Sarah Jampel, Bon Appétit, 13 Dec. 2024 The smell of coffee and conchas at one food cart — and food cooked on a plancha at another — mingled with the lingering acrid smoke of the smoldering remains of the surrounding neighborhood. Mel Buer, The Mercury News, 15 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for acrid
Recent Examples of Synonyms for acrid
Adjective
  • He was slowed by a lingering back injury and tried to play through a sore knee.
    Patrick Saunders, The Denver Post, 1 Mar. 2025
  • Kawhi Leonard had 17 points and eight rebounds after missing back-to-back games because of a sore left foot.
    Houston Mitchell, Los Angeles Times, 27 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • The bitter exchange was unlike any other in the Oval Office in modern times. 13:43 With Ukraine's future in the balance, a high-stakes meeting on Friday between President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy devolved into a shouting match.
    Alexandra Hutzler, ABC News, 28 Feb. 2025
  • But there are some whiskey fans who crave high-proof spirits the way others will seek out intensely hoppy beer or extremely bitter amaro: the more extreme, the better, full stop.
    Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 27 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
  • One of her twisted arms is lopped off by an angry audience member and turns into a firehose of blood.
    Scottie Andrew, CNN, 27 Feb. 2025
  • Trashing a guy’s car is nothing new among angry exes, but one Florida woman took it to an absurd level after having a little too much to drink, according to Florida investigators.
    Mark Price, Miami Herald, 27 Feb. 2025
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
  • It’s packed with tough love, cathartic activities, and positive affirmations that won’t leave cynical folks rolling their eyes.
    Kristin Canning, SELF, 25 Feb. 2025
  • It’s been cool and cynical, surreal and silly, bold enough to make adolescents of all ages feel daring for staying up past 11:30 (or catching up on YouTube the next morning) and safe enough to keep advertisers and network executives happy.
    A.O. Scott, New York Times, 12 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
  • Their divorce was followed by years of acrimonious, ugly custody battles and vicious fighting.
    Kate Aurthur, Variety, 26 Feb. 2025
  • Despite their acrimonious relationship, McCarthy’s potential consulting gig could put him on Trump’s side in the ongoing water wars with Gov. Gavin Newsom, who has tried to placate the commander-in-chief while holding fast against some of his more hardline environmental and immigration stances.
    Lia Russell, Sacramento Bee, 19 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Acrid.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/acrid. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.

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