Synonyms of caustic

caustic

adjective

ˈkȯ-stik 

as in sarcastic

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

caustic movie reviews that serve mainly to show how clever the reviewer is

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective caustic contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of caustic are acrid, mordant, and scathing. While all these words mean "stingingly incisive," caustic suggests a biting wit.

caustic comments

When is acrid a more appropriate choice than caustic?

While the synonyms acrid and caustic are close in meaning, acrid implies bitterness and often malevolence.

acrid invective

In what contexts can mordant take the place of caustic?

In some situations, the words mordant and caustic are roughly equivalent. However, mordant suggests a wit that is used with deadly effectiveness.

mordant reviews of the play

When might scathing be a better fit than caustic?

Although the words scathing and caustic have much in common, scathing implies indignant attacks delivered with fierce severity.

a scathing satire

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of caustic

This caustic underbelly of the internet has never been closer to the surface. —Jr Radcliffe, jsonline.com, 5 Mar. 2026

After being locked in a bitter primary for many months, Cornyn and Paxton now face a May 26 runoff that promises to become an even more expensive and caustic campaign - which Trump said should not happen. —Joseph Morton, Dallas Morning News, 4 Mar. 2026

The comments, which Polis’ office defended Wednesday morning, drew a caustic response from Democratic lawmakers. —Seth Klamann, Denver Post, 4 Mar. 2026

Soda crystals are caustic and require safety precautions when used. —Jolie Kerr, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 Mar. 2026

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