Definition of acridnext
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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective acrid contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of acrid are caustic, mordant, and scathing. While all these words mean "stingingly incisive," acrid implies bitterness and often malevolence.

acrid invective

When would caustic be a good substitute for acrid?

While in some cases nearly identical to acrid, caustic suggests a biting wit.

caustic comments

When can mordant be used instead of acrid?

The words mordant and acrid are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, mordant suggests a wit that is used with deadly effectiveness.

mordant reviews of the play

In what contexts can scathing take the place of acrid?

In some situations, the words scathing and acrid are roughly equivalent. However, scathing implies indignant attacks delivered with fierce severity.

a scathing satire

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of acrid Wednesday, Bleeds Bleeds, the by turns acrid and rustic sixth album from Nashville quintet Wednesday, is here to remind you never to typecast southern rock as implicitly, exclusively country-tinged. Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 2 Dec. 2025 For example, when trapped or crushed, these beetles release a yellowish defensive fluid from their leg joints that emits a strong, acrid odor and can stain walls or fabrics. Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 27 Nov. 2025 After joining Alpha Genesis that December, Strickland needed a few days to adjust to the acrid smell of the grounds—feces shot through with ammonia—and to the codes of behavior governing human-macaque interactions. Ava Kofman, New Yorker, 3 Nov. 2025 Day turned to night as thick, acrid clouds blackened the sky. Robert Wyss, The Conversation, 21 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for acrid
Recent Examples of Synonyms for acrid
Adjective
  • Persistent increases in utility rates have become a sore point for customers across California.
    Rob Nikolewski, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Jan. 2026
  • Getting flip-flops with thick, padded soles will ensure that your ankles, toes and heels don’t feel sore after a long day.
    BestReviews, Mercury News, 14 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • But it’s set apart from the rest of her work by a long, satirical section sending up gothic fiction and its fans.
    Erin Somers, The Atlantic, 6 Jan. 2026
  • But the tone is often more satiric than somber, Park highlighting Man-su’s foibles and insecurities.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 6 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Pair it with a small, dessert-sized Greek coffee, which isn’t as bitter as espresso, for a perfect treat yourself moment under $10.
    Carlos Rico, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Jan. 2026
  • That includes losing to their bitter rivals with the biggest playoff collapse in franchise history.
    Michael Cunningham, AJC.com, 12 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Past statements or e-mails can be taken out of context, with dangerous results, so carefully phrase your statements in board meetings or in e-mails, — and avoid intemperate or sarcastic remarks.
    Kelly G. Richardson, Oc Register, 9 Jan. 2026
  • It was greeted by the sound of loud, sarcastic cheering by the old London Road end and by Malcolm Shotton, Oxford’s moustachioed coach, who could have used the Pringles logo as a passport photo, throwing his jacket into the crowd in sarcastic celebration.
    The Athletic UK Staff, New York Times, 3 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Robby is angry at himself for not seeing it.
    Senior Television, Los Angeles Times, 9 Jan. 2026
  • None of the referees appeared to be struck by the objects being thrown on the court, despite video showing a windfall of debris raining down from the angry crowd.
    Sean Neumann, PEOPLE, 8 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • How to Clean Baking Sheets With Vinegar Vinegar is an acidic ingredient that can cut through grease and lift stains.
    Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 11 Jan. 2026
  • The acidic properties of this inexpensive, nontoxic, and eco-friendly household cleaner help to break down grease, loosen dried-on food, and neutralize funky odors.
    Gemma Johnstone, The Spruce, 10 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • The shootout in the finale felt ripped from another (lesser) series, Sarah Catherine Hook’s monologue as Piper, now wanting to wash Thailand off her, just a bit of a pat cheat (and a more cynical White on display).
    Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 7 Jan. 2026
  • Yes, our political leaders have given some of us reason to be resentful, cynical and even depressed.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 2 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Savannah police and the FBI are continuing to follow any possible leads to find whoever is responsible for the acid attack in a local park that left a woman with severe burns.
    Dan Raby, CBS News, 16 Dec. 2025
  • If acid soil-loving plants are not thriving, have the soil tested and amend the pH with elemental sulfur.
    Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 10 Dec. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Acrid.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/acrid. Accessed 19 Jan. 2026.

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