incisive

adjective

Definition of incisivenext
as in acidic
very clear and direct She provided an incisive analysis that changed my entire opinion on the issue.

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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 incisive In Adnan, Regan could not have found a more captivating central character, whose incisive, ever-generous way with words, philosophical wisdom, and artworks are lovingly conveyed here. — Devorah Lauter, ARTnews.com, 30 Sep. 2026 This goes a long way to explain classic food and wine matchups such as Muscadet, an incisive, crisp white wine from the mouth of the Loire River in France, with oysters raised nearby. — Bill St. John, Denver Post, 25 Sep. 2026 Critics praise the show’s striking visual style, strong performances, and incisive commentary on modern office life and personal identity. — Jordana Rosenfeld, Encyclopedia Britannica, 21 Sep. 2026 Fittingly, this is a very American intersection of wealth and power, the exact kind of problem about which James Baldwin was always so eloquent and incisive. — James Folta, Literary Hub, 14 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for incisive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for incisive
  1. acidic
  2. acid
  3. ironic
  4. concise
  5. trenchant
  6. poignant
  7. acerbic
  8. sardonic
Adjective
  • Descaling solution is an acidic liquid that reacts with—and therefore breaks down—alkaline mineral build ups that happen over time wherever tap water sits or flows.
    — Emily Farris, Bon Appetit Magazine, 13 Oct. 2026
  • The Bongulo Paneer — cooked in bamboo — with a coconut and capsicum poriyal blends peanut chutney with acidic gongura sour cream and fiery gunpowder.
    — Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of acidic
Adjective
  • Learning to season food, growing comfortable with adding salt—and ultimately acid, spice, and sweetness—according to your own preferences, is what home cooking is all about.
    — Chris Morocco, Bon Appetit Magazine, 26 Sep. 2026
  • The idea that these two would have a five-minute-or-less breakup conversation, then plop down on the couch and happily embark on an acid trip together, strains credulity a little, even for this bizarre, codependent friend group.
    — Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of acid
Adjective
  • But in an ironic twist, part of the parking lot was underwater, a tractor had raised a berm to hold back the ocean, and just to the south, homes were being thrashed by waves.
    — Steve Lopez, Los Angeles Times, 17 Oct. 2026
  • But if the ironic remove of his comic voice was part of what allowed Macdonald to speak so many uncomfortable truths, Apatow creating a remove of his own is justifiable.
    — Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of ironic
Adjective
  • The concise and approachable show is divided into four thematic sections encapsulating the Sea Beyond project’s educational scope.
    — Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 9 Oct. 2026
  • Be concise—present core insights in 10 minutes, save five for discussion.
    — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of concise
Adjective
  • Writer-director Reed Van Dyk’s feature debut navigates tricky emotional waters but emerges as a trenchant examination of what forgiveness and penitence can look like, allowing no room for anything resembling a pat happy ending.
    — Tim Grierson, Los Angeles Times, 1 Oct. 2026
  • Over time, as the human side of the evolving machine-flesh dyad matured, WHEEP-3 shifted its attention to the silicon partner, offering trenchant critiques of the inadequacies of machine learning.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 9 Sep. 2026
Definition of trenchant
Adjective
  • But the most poignant celebration comes from those closest to him.
    — Cameron Pugh, Christian Science Monitor, 16 Oct. 2026
  • All of which would make Leo’s visit to Lourdes all the more poignant.
    — Nicole Winfield, Los Angeles Times, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of poignant
Adjective
  • Inextricable to Long’s art, though, is a self-awareness and acerbic wit that elevates the narrative and reminds us that humor is integral to survival, too.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 2 Oct. 2026
  • Add monsters, revenge, and a sharp dose of acerbic wit, and this became a passion project for me.
    — Jack Dunn, Variety, 25 Sep. 2026
Definition of acerbic
Adjective
  • To the show’s credit, this Ultron is a highly entertaining creation, allowing Spader to layer some of his signature sardonic air to a character who’s still cynical, but much humbled from his supervillain days.
    — Alison Herman, Variety, 12 Oct. 2026
  • But these anecdotes were leavened by her trademark sardonic humor.
    — Rodney Ho, AJC.com, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of sardonic

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Cite this Entry

“Incisive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/incisive. Accessed 19 Oct. 2026.

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