as in sarcastic
marked by the use of wit that is intended to cause hurt feelings
a professor with a rather acerb sense of humor
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for acerb
Adjective
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As a model named Carl, stuck in a relationship corrupted by microcelebrity and Instagram view counts, Dickinson ticks with exasperation and sarcastic logic, his jaw clenched, his eyes wide and staring.—
Carrie Battan,
Vulture,
6 Oct. 2025 -
Following the mother-daughter duo of Lorelai Gilmore, played by Lauren Graham, and Rory, played by Alexis Bledel, Gilmore Girls was perfectly made for millennials, packed with wistful romances, frustrating dramatic turns and just enough sarcastic jokes.—
Stephanie Sengwe,
PEOPLE,
5 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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To be fair, some of the comments are also satirical.—
Bill Goodykoontz,
AZCentral.com,
14 Oct. 2025
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An effort last year to have the satirical site The Onion purchase Infowars through an auction process was initially rejected by a judge.—
Ted Johnson,
Deadline,
14 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Avoid an acid overload of tart and tangy (pickles and citrus), a bold flavor competition, sweet and funky flavors colliding (fruity jams and aged cheeses), and a clash of spicy meats and cheeses with delicate fruits and accompaniments.—
Catharine Kaufman,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
13 Oct. 2025
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Normally, acid from citrus is used to curdle the milk, before the solids are removed to leave a rich drink.—
Amarachi Orie,
CNN Money,
3 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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The Reprise was actually my favorite with cherry and chocolate notes that were perfectly balanced and not too acidic.—
Brittany Loggins,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
14 Oct. 2025
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Fill the pot with loose, slightly acidic soil that drains quickly.—
Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
13 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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The actress is clearly relishing the opportunity to deliver Aaron Sorkin’s barbed dialogue (though perhaps not as much as Philip Seymour Hoffman, who steals the show as an explosive CIA functionary).—
Bilge Ebiri,
Vulture,
10 Oct. 2025
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Watch this just for all the quick lands and barbed moments here alone.—
Andy Hoglund,
Entertainment Weekly,
5 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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The host, Scotty, is an acerbic jerk who saves his meanest digs for Richter’s Mickey.—
Kimberly Roots,
TVLine,
12 Oct. 2025
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Mary Bronstein’s first movie, the acerbic 2008 comedy Yeast, co-starring Greta Gerwig, came and went with little fanfare.—
Matthew Jacobs,
Vulture,
10 Oct. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Acerb.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/acerb. Accessed 21 Oct. 2025.
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