Acerbic: meaning, definitions and examples

Used for describing comments or speech that are straightforward and harsh, often with a critical edge.

• Her acerbic critique left everyone in the room silent.
• He is known for his acerbic sense of humor.

Used to describe remarks that are keenly perceptive and harsh, often intellectually cutting.

• She’s known for her sharp wit.
• His sharp criticism caught everyone off guard.

Appropriate when describing remarks that cut deep and are hurtful, biting implies a sense of sharpness that inflicts pain.

• She couldn’t ignore his biting comments about her work.
• The review was filled with biting sarcasm.

Suitable for language or remarks that are extremely harsh and intended to hurt or irritate, often used in a negative sense.

• His caustic remarks alienated many of his colleagues.
• The critic’s caustic words stung the director.

Best for remarks that are particularly hurtful and intended to cause emotional pain. Similar to biting but often evokes an image of something being sliced.

• Her cutting remarks about his appearance left him feeling embarrassed.
• The debate turned sour with cutting exchanges.

Describes comments or flavors that are sharp and somewhat sour; often used in a more playful or less harsh sense compared to the other words.

• Her tart reply made everyone chuckle.
• He’s known for his tart sense of humor.

Used to describe sharp and direct criticism or tone, often with a slightly negative connotation.

• Her acerbic wit often left people feeling uneasy.
• The critic's acerbic review discouraged many from watching the film.

Describes a taste that is sharp, tangy, and often associated with something spoiled or fermented. It can also describe a negative change in mood or atmosphere.

• The milk went sour because it was left out overnight.
• She had a sour expression after hearing the bad news.

Describes a strong, often unpleasant taste, or feelings of resentment and harshness.

• She couldn't hide her bitter disappointment after losing the competition.
• The coffee was so bitter that I had to add sugar.

Describes a sharp, tangy taste, usually in a pleasant way when talking about food. It can also describe a sharp and sometimes biting remark, though less severe than 'acerbic.'

• The tart flavor of the apples was refreshing.
• Her tart reply indicated she was not happy with the question.

Refers to something having properties of an acid or metaphorically can describe a sharp or biting remark. Often used when talking about food or chemistry.

• The lemonade was too acidic for my taste.
• His acidic comments about her work were hard to ignore.

Describes a strong, sharp smell or taste, often overpowering or unpleasant.

• The pungent odor of garlic filled the kitchen.
• His cologne was so pungent that it made my eyes water.