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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Still, Ernst shared a sarcastic apology video after facing criticism from Democrats over her response to the town hall attendees' concerns.—
Savannah Kuchar,
USA Today,
2 June 2025 -
The vibe, never exactly cheerful, and never leavened by a hint of even the most sarcastic sense of humor, takes a turn for the horrific one evening in the wake of the bawdy revels celebrating Tomek’s wedding.—
Jessica Kiang,
Variety,
30 May 2025
Adjective
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Neither damning nor satiric, W. is oddly wistful, almost regretful — rare sentiments in a Stone film.—
Will Leitch,
Vulture,
17 Feb. 2025
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All Systems Red is a legible introduction to Wells’ hyper-capitalist, playfully satiric galaxy.—
Rory Doherty,
Time,
16 May 2025
Adjective
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For years, India had no dedicated laws addressing acid violence, leaving survivors isolated and facing overwhelming physical, emotional, and economic challenges.—
Iona Brannon,
AFAR Media,
6 May 2025
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Azaleas do like an acid soil and grow best when the soil acidity is in the pH range of 4.5 to 5.5.—
Tom MacCubbin,
The Orlando Sentinel,
24 May 2025
Adjective
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The way the soil responds will give you an idea of whether your soil is acidic, alkaline, or neutral.—
Lauren Landers,
Better Homes & Gardens,
27 May 2025
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The acidic soil at Sutton Hoo, which rotted away the wood of the Anglo-Saxon ship and only left impressions of planks and rows of iron rivets, means that many of the bone combs previously found at Sutton Hoo have not been well-preserved, Howarth said.—
Ashley Strickland,
CNN Money,
24 May 2025
Adjective
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The other eight prisoners who escaped from their cell and hopped the barbed wire fence to freedom have all been recaptured.—
Peter D'Abrosca,
FOXNews.com,
29 May 2025
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Sneakers hang by their laces from barbed wire, dangling above two motorbikes.—
Stephanie Yang,
Los Angeles Times,
27 May 2025
Adjective
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Gary Oldman plays the acerbic Jackson Lamb, the odoriferous chief of Slough House where MI5 agents who just can’t cut it – or who are being punished for one reason or another – are sent.—
Erik Kain,
Forbes.com,
3 June 2025
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Even the most vegan among us can’t resist a bleeding slice of Broadway beef: Andrew Lloyd Webber, President Trump, and Madonna have all been targets of her acerbic commentary.—
Raven Smith,
Vogue,
28 May 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Acerb.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/acerb. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.
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