acerb

adjective

ə-ˈsərb How to pronounce acerb (audio)
Definition of acerbnext
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
  1. sarcastic
  2. satiric
  3. acid
  4. acidic
  5. barbed
  6. acerbic
Adjective
  • Eidra pushes her tendency to get glib and sarcastic rather than risk being vulnerable and honest to its farthest limits.
    — Sophie Brookover, Vulture, 16 Oct. 2026
  • The interest has been driven largely by the brand's casual, sarcastic tone and active participation in online trends.
    — Megan Sauer, CNBC, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of sarcastic
Adjective
  • From 1914 to 1916, satirical cartoons offered a distinctive form of storytelling in Women’s Wear.
    — Tonya Blazio-Licorish, Footwear News, 4 Nov. 2026
  • Probably from a satirical Journal de Paris article Franklin penned back in 1784.
    — Justin Pot, Popular Science, 31 Oct. 2026
Definition of satiric
Adjective
  • Studies show that these same compounds may help control harmful bacteria and acid buildup in the mouth that can cause gum disease and tooth decay.
    — Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 2 Nov. 2026
  • They are accompanied by their keeper, a man with dwarfism, quite probably an acid joke at his expense.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 Oct. 2026
Definition of acid
Adjective
  • The formula is acidic and built around citric acid, which helps reinforce the bonds color services weaken, and leaves hair smoother and easier to manage.
    — Valeriya Chupinina, Vogue, 4 Nov. 2026
  • In the midst of a rich meal, something fresh and acidic keeps your taste buds awake.
    — Rebecca Firkser, Bon Appetit Magazine, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of acidic
Adjective
  • The documentary is more workmanlike than inspired, although Osder and Youmans ensure that its title has a deeper, barbed meaning.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 30 Oct. 2026
  • Palestinian activist Eid Hatlin said barbed wire in the yard was placed by settlers.
    — Daniel Estrin, NPR, 25 Oct. 2026
Definition of barbed
Adjective
  • Perry was best known for his role on Friends playing the acerbic and awkwardly charming Chandler Bing, a character that permanently shot him into the public eye.
    — CT Jones, Rolling Stone, 27 Oct. 2026
  • Inextricable to Long’s art, though, is a self-awareness and acerbic wit that elevates the narrative and reminds us that humor is integral to survival, too.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of acerbic
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Browse Nearby Words

acequias
acerb
acerbic
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Cite this Entry

“Acerb.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/acerb. Accessed 7 Nov. 2026.

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