Synonyms of caustic

caustic

adjective

ˈkȯ-stik 

as in sarcastic

marked by the use of wit that is intended to cause hurt feelings

caustic movie reviews that serve mainly to show how clever the reviewer is

Synonyms & Similar Words

• sarcastic
• satirical
• satiric
• acidic
• acid
• barbed
• corrosive
• acerbic
• sardonic
• biting
• acrid
• scathing
• pungent
• mordant
• acidulous
• cynical
• sharp
• ironical
• tart
• ironic
• cutting
• snarky
• harsh
• scalding
• smart-aleck
• acerb
• smart-alecky
• sour
• smart-mouthed
• blunt
• incisive
• dry
• concise
• spiky
• trenchant
• poignant
• wry
• flippant
• cross
• severe
• vitriolic
• brisk
• acrimonious
• facetious
• sharp-tongued
• bitter
• gruff
• abrupt
• sourish
• spikey
• resentful
• brusque
• pithy
• stringent
• curt
• keen
• tongue-in-cheek
• succinct
• tartish
• terse
• insincere
• crisp
• snippy
• rough
• backhanded
• brusk
• snippety

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• amusing
• playful
• mild
• gentle
• merry
• bland
• droll
• waggish
• diplomatic
• sportive
• smooth
• polite
• urbane
• good-natured
• cordial
• hospitable
• gracious
• genial
• good-humored
• affable
• sociable
• suave

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective caustic contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of caustic are acrid, mordant, and scathing. While all these words mean "stingingly incisive," caustic suggests a biting wit.

caustic comments

When is acrid a more appropriate choice than caustic?

While the synonyms acrid and caustic are close in meaning, acrid implies bitterness and often malevolence.

acrid invective

In what contexts can mordant take the place of caustic?

In some situations, the words mordant and caustic are roughly equivalent. However, mordant suggests a wit that is used with deadly effectiveness.

mordant reviews of the play

When might scathing be a better fit than caustic?

Although the words scathing and caustic have much in common, scathing implies indignant attacks delivered with fierce severity.

a scathing satire

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of caustic

In caustic assessments of certain executives, from Martin Davis to Frank Yablans to Marvin Davis and others, Diller shows that sharp edges are also helpful. —Mike Fleming Jr, Deadline, 19 May 2025

But these insults are deeply personal, they’re amplified by caustic social media chatter, and DeSantis seems to relish the acrimony, despite its potential to damage the Republican brand in Florida. —Steve Bousquet, Sun Sentinel, 17 May 2025

During the Civil War, none of his rivals, from the thundering Tribune to the caustic Herald, proved more adept at winning or wielding real political power. —Matthew Karp, Harpers Magazine, 29 Apr. 2025

But on Reddit, in a more skeptical and caustic corner of the internet, an army of angry critics was assembling. —Katherine Rosman, New York Times, 1 May 2025

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