Synonyms of acerbic

acerbic

adjective

ə-ˈsər-bik 

as in sarcastic

marked by the use of wit that is intended to cause hurt feelings

whispered a steady stream of acerbic comments as the lecturer droned on

Synonyms & Similar Words

• sarcastic
• satiric
• acidic
• barbed
• acid
• sardonic
• caustic
• biting
• scathing
• acrid
• corrosive
• pungent
• acidulous
• cynical
• mordant
• sharp
• snarky
• ironic
• tart
• smart-aleck
• acerb
• smart-alecky
• smart-mouthed
• harsh
• cutting
• blunt
• incisive
• wry
• sour
• trenchant
• concise
• scalding
• spiky
• poignant
• brisk
• dry
• flippant
• sharp-tongued
• severe
• vitriolic
• gruff
• cross
• facetious
• acrimonious
• brusque
• pithy
• bitter
• abrupt
• keen
• curt
• resentful
• stringent
• succinct
• tongue-in-cheek
• sourish
• terse
• crisp
• tartish
• insincere
• backhanded
• snippy
• rough
• snippety

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• amusing
• playful
• mild
• merry
• gentle
• droll
• bland
• waggish
• diplomatic
• sportive
• smooth
• polite
• urbane
• good-natured
• gracious
• affable
• cordial
• good-humored
• genial
• hospitable
• suave
• sociable

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of acerbic

Malgorzata Szumowska, Michal Englert) Aimee Lou Wood and Johnny Flynn are superb as Anna and Fyodor Dostoevsky in Małgorzata Szumowska and Michał Englert’s acerbic and joyful period film. — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 17 Aug. 2026

The men exude contentious authority in various ways, from the grandee’s circumspect command and Uncle Jeb’s sly omniscience to the mechanic’s viperish resentment and Billy’s acerbic flirtation. — Richard Brody, New Yorker, 11 Aug. 2026

The novel follows Lila Dixon, an acerbic, cynical baseball scout living a dreary and closed-off life in her 30s. — Stuart Miller, Los Angeles Times, 29 July 2026

So Knox introduces Juliette to the acerbic ex-miner Mark Chambers, who also tells Madame Mayor to forget about Lukas. — Noel Murray, Vulture, 17 July 2026

Podcast

Get Word of the Day delivered to your inbox!