trenchant

adjective

tren·chant ˈtren-chənt

Synonyms of trenchant next

: keen, sharp

: vigorously effective and articulate

a trenchant analysis

also : caustic

trenchant remarks

: sharply perceptive : penetrating

a trenchant view of current conditions

: clear-cut, distinct

the trenchant divisions between right and wrong—

Edith Wharton

trenchantly adverb

Did you know?

There’s much to know about the word trenchant, but we’ll cut to the chase. The word trenchant comes from the Anglo-French verb trencher, meaning “to cut.” Hence, a trenchant sword is one with a keen edge. Nowadays, trenchant mostly describes things that don’t cut deep literally, but that are still felt: a trenchant remark is one that cuts close to the bone, and a trenchant observation is one that cuts to the heart of the matter. In addition to meaning “caustic” and “sharply perceptive,” trenchant also carries a sense meaning “very strong, clear, and effective” that may be used, for instance, to describe a persuasive essay written with intellectual rigor. If you find yourself forgetting these “edgy” definitions, you might dig up a familiar relative of trenchant: the noun trench, which refers to a long cut or ditch in the ground.

Examples of trenchant in a Sentence

a writer with a trenchant wit even the most trenchant sword could not sever the bonds of loyalty between them

Recent Examples on the Web Jagger also had a typically trenchant take on U.S. politics. —

Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 20 Oct. 2023 Thomas wins his argument not by trenchant critique but by cavalier fiat. —

Stephen Siegel, The New Republic, 21 July 2023 This marks the first collaboration between the musically talented siblings, and their trenchant harmonies elevate the detailed story song. —

Jessica Nicholson, Billboard, 12 June 2023 The Celtics Experience is to embrace the team’s lofty expectations, blissfully rejecting any consequences or trenchant criticism — outside of rookie coach Joe Mazzulla — for failing to meet said expectations. —

Christopher L. Gasper, BostonGlobe.com, 16 May 2023 Billionaire George Soros’s investments in the Indian technology and startup world are no protection against the Hindu right wing’s ire over his trenchant views against prime minister Narendra Modi and democracy in the country. —

Mimansa Verma, Quartz, 28 Apr. 2023 In this trenchant narrative of the days that followed the murder, Malala masterfully weaves the different threads of the story. —

Foreign Affairs, 18 Apr. 2023 Honig is particularly trenchant in his analysis of the criminal investigation led by Fulton County, Ga., District Attorney Fani Willis into Trump’s attempts to influence Georgia election officials. —

Scott Turow, Washington Post, 1 Feb. 2023 Katzenstein offers trenchant observations on the complexity and contingency of the evolution of liberalism in all its varieties across the last century. —

Foreign Affairs, 1 Nov. 2022 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'trenchant.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.