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

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 caustic But on Reddit, in a more skeptical and caustic corner of the internet, an army of angry critics was assembling. Katherine Rosman, New York Times, 1 May 2025 That lady is really the aforementioned murderous hag (Meredith Binder), her false veneer of youthful beauty reinforced by a magic mirror’s flattering (if also caustic) topless female spirits, and sustained via grisly methods seemingly inspired by Elizabeth Bathory. Dennis Harvey, Variety, 2 May 2025 Our tax policy shouldn't incentivize industries that have demonstrated a caustic impact on our communities. Mohammed Soliman, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Apr. 2025 That disparity is played perfectly by Durand, who paints Elmer as a caustic spitfire in life and, later, gives an emotional performance in death without ever truly having to say a word. Emlyn Travis, EW.com, 27 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for caustic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for caustic
Adjective
  • Practically speaking, Pegasus is intelligent and resourceful, sarcastic and strong-minded, with a sharp personality and a quick wit.
    EW Staff, EW.com, 27 May 2025
  • Still, Ernst shared a sarcastic apology video after facing criticism from Democrats over her response to the town hall attendees' concerns.
    Savannah Kuchar, USA Today, 2 June 2025
Adjective
  • The poem is part love quest, part account of Italy’s battles; in places profoundly serious, in places satiric.
    The New Yorker, New Yorker, 11 June 2025
  • Neither damning nor satiric, W. is oddly wistful, almost regretful — rare sentiments in a Stone film.
    Will Leitch, Vulture, 17 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Part sun Soil Type: Organic, medium moisture, well-draining Soil pH: Slightly acidic (5.5-7.5) USDA Hardiness Zones: 8 to 11 A most unique agapanthus with variegated foliage and lilac blooms, 'Neverland' thrives in the heat and humidity of Southern gardens.
    Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 6 June 2025
  • To balance their intensity, Wegman recommended using acidic ingredients like lemon or garlic.
    Helen Carefoot, Verywell Health, 6 June 2025
Adjective
  • For years, India had no dedicated laws addressing acid violence, leaving survivors isolated and facing overwhelming physical, emotional, and economic challenges.
    Iona Brannon, AFAR Media, 6 May 2025
  • Azaleas do like an acid soil and grow best when the soil acidity is in the pH range of 4.5 to 5.5.
    Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 24 May 2025
Adjective
  • Louisiana Attorney General's Office via AP The group of inmates escaped by yanking open a faulty cell door, removing a toilet, crawling through a hole and scaling a barbed wire fence in the early morning hours when a lone guard left to get food.
    CBS News, CBS News, 9 June 2025
  • Washington, of course, knows all of this and has responded with barbed words.
    Daniel DePetris, Chicago Tribune, 27 May 2025
Adjective
  • Jarvis’ performance is transformative, making Mark both pathetic and feverishly alive, his corrosive remorse seemingly genuine.
    David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 10 June 2025
  • Perhaps, some mused, the same collaborative spirit could be harnessed to tackle other intractable problems, like a severe housing crisis and corrosive inequality.
    Rachel Morris, New Yorker, 5 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Caustic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/caustic. Accessed 21 Jun. 2025.

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