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 won’t stop filling with acrid smoke, and the sky has turned from blue to an eerie orange. —

Melissa Gomez, Los Angeles Times, 12 Sep. 2024 The acrid air and safety concerns prompted several area districts to close schools through the end of the week. —

Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 11 Sep. 2024 Shattered glass from the windows glittered on the ground and an acrid mix of smoke and dampness lingered in the air hours after firefighters had driven their engines away from the church. —

Noe Padilla, The Indianapolis Star, 31 July 2024 The surge in interest rates imposed by the Federal Reserve to slow inflation has closed like an acrid cloud over would-be homeowners, car buyers, growing families, and businesses new and old, large and small. —

Don Lee, Los Angeles Times, 28 June 2024 See all Example Sentences for acrid

Recent Examples of Synonyms for acrid

Adjective

By day, hit the powder, then relieve sore muscles at the spa.

Rebecca Deurlein, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024
Imagine walking through your perfect itinerary for your trip to Rome only to have blisters and sore feet on day one, curbing your ability to wander the city’s romantic streets.

Kelsey Glennon, Travel + Leisure, 3 Nov. 2024