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

Relevance

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 Even its name conjures up memories of bitter, acrid coffee that tastes too thin and too thick all at once. —

Jaina Grey, WIRED, 25 June 2024 Ivan disappears in a panic, leaving no more trace than an acrid wisp of tire-burn smoke. —

Tom Gliatto, People.com, 17 Oct. 2024 And the acrid smell of petroleum polluted the coastline’s air. —

Tony Briscoe, Los Angeles Times, 14 Oct. 2024 Zinging semi acrid aromas of limes and gooseberries and white plums here. —

Tom Mullen, Forbes, 29 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for acrid

Recent Examples of Synonyms for acrid

Adjective

In the mountains, the Westin Riverfront Resort and Spa in Avon offers treatments for dry skin and sore muscles at Spa Anjali.

Mindy Sink, The Denver Post, 12 Dec. 2024
Videos—of jaws before and after reshaping with masseter Botox and clips of people swearing by the procedure's ability to calm their sore jaws—have millions of views.

Tori Crowther, Allure, 11 Dec. 2024