Entry Word: cutting

Function: adjective

Meaning: 1 causing intense discomfort to oneʼs skin <a frigid day with a cutting wind that made it seem even colder>

Synonyms biting, bitter, keen, penetrating, piercing, raw, sharp, smarting, stinging

Related Words brisk, invigorating, nippy, snappy; needlelike, prickly, tingling; caustic, corrosive

Near Antonyms balmy, gentle, mild, soothing

2 having an edge thin enough to cut or pierce something <the cutting side of the sword blade> — see sharp 1
3 marked by the use of wit that is intended to cause hurt feelings <her cutting comments serve only one purpose: to make someone cry> — see sarcastic