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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 Authorities clad in military-style helmets and uniforms faced off with the demonstrators, and people ultimately retreated amid acrid green-and-white billowing smoke. Christiaan Hetzner, Fortune, 15 July 2025 Amid the false accusations and acrid clashes of President Trump’s inner circle, few acolytes have survived longer than Miller. Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2025 Families huddled in underground metro stations for shelter and acrid smoke hung over the city centre. Pavel Polityuk, USA Today, 4 July 2025 Explosions could still be seen in the area as of 10 p.m. and an acrid smell wafted across the fields around the one-mile evacuation area. Sean Campbell, Sacbee.com, 2 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for acrid
Recent Examples of Synonyms for acrid
Adjective
  • Shein’s new brick-and-mortar store—its first in the world—sticks out like a sore thumb.
    Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 7 Nov. 2025
  • The Clippers were missing two-time NBA Finals MVP Kawhi Leonard (ankle) and guard Bradley Beal (sore knee) in a lopsided 126-107 loss to the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder on Tuesday night.
    Janis Carr, Oc Register, 5 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • Since that inaugural episode in late July, a steady stream of blistering satirical installments has not let up on the POTUS and key White House officials, from VP JD Vance to DHS Secretary Kristi Noem.
    Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 10 Nov. 2025
  • Where Tom is the satirical end point of corporate America’s moral rot, Guiteau is like his spiritual predecessor, a 19th-century American striver so intoxicated by the promise of self-making that rejection feels like cosmic betrayal.
    Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 7 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • He was chosen as commissioner in October 1989 over New Orleans general manager Jim Finks after a bitter fight highlighting the differences between the NFL's old guard and newer owners.
    NPR, NPR, 9 Nov. 2025
  • Arugula Arugula is an aromatic, slightly bitter leafy green.
    Lauren O'Connor, Health, 9 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • The Marriage Story star first appeared as a child in an uncredited role in the Scorsese film — Ladd's first taste of major acclaim as the sarcastic waitress Flo.
    Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 3 Nov. 2025
  • The kicking game was so bad that Freeman sounded like Brian Kelly at his sarcastic best when asked about Noah Burnette, Erik Schmidt and Marcello Diomede combining to miss two extra points and one field goal.
    Pete Sampson, New York Times, 2 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • Snook and Lacy, who display such sharp instincts in their best work, seem to have been directed to overact; cameras freeze on their exaggeratedly bewildered or angry or devastated expressions, putting exclamation points at the end of too many scenes.
    Judy Berman, Time, 6 Nov. 2025
  • So what actually makes Powell angry?
    Brian Truitt, USA Today, 6 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • Highly acidic foods like pickles and tomatoes will react with the can after an extended period of time, causing both taste and texture changes so pay particularly close attention to expiration dates on these items.
    Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 11 Nov. 2025
  • Soil and Water Japanese maple likes a slightly acidic, humus-rich soil with good drainage.
    Luke Miller, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • The crimes with which she has been charged are trumped up and her arrest is a cynical ploy by the junta headed by Senior General Min Aung Hlaing to cling onto power.
    Kim Aris, Time, 7 Nov. 2025
  • Is Alec’s folksiness sincere or cynical?
    Sophie Brookover, Vulture, 7 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • The idea of dissolving the self in an acid bath of erotic imagery was not, in the end, so unappealing.
    Daniel Kolitz, Harpers Magazine, 24 Oct. 2025
  • 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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Cite this Entry

“Acrid.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/acrid. Accessed 17 Nov. 2025.

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