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 Trump’s super intelligence rebrand can ultimately be read in a couple ways, though arguably neither are particularly nuanced or incisive — just further indicative of the daily deluge of stupid. — Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 7 Oct. 2026 The introduction is by David Remnick, the magazine’s incisive and self-effacing editor. — Air Mail, 3 Oct. 2026 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 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
  • The formula is acidic and built around citric acid, which helps reinforce the bonds color services weaken, and leaves hair smoother and easier to manage.
    — Valeriya Chupinina, Vogue, 4 Nov. 2026
  • In the midst of a rich meal, something fresh and acidic keeps your taste buds awake.
    — Rebecca Firkser, Bon Appetit Magazine, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of acidic
Adjective
  • Studies show that these same compounds may help control harmful bacteria and acid buildup in the mouth that can cause gum disease and tooth decay.
    — Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 2 Nov. 2026
  • They are accompanied by their keeper, a man with dwarfism, quite probably an acid joke at his expense.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 Oct. 2026
Definition of acid
Adjective
  • Many artists and audiences seem to think that a clinical, alienating, ironic, evasive, or aesthetically empty eye makes work very highbrow.
    — Olivia Kan-Sperling, Artforum, 1 Nov. 2026
  • If the score’s style is a bit of a pastiche of Queen’s own Eighties soundtrack work, the guitarist didn’t mind, since the band were already working in an ironic vein back then.
    — Brian Hiatt, Rolling Stone, 30 Oct. 2026
Definition of ironic
Adjective
  • This excellent volume contains a series of concise and authoritative essays on key aspects of the Ghetto’s early history, written by leading experts in the field.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 16 Oct. 2026
  • Gemini needed 11 seconds to respond despite delivering a more concise, straight-to-the-point answer.
    — Kimberly Gedeon, PC Magazine, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of concise
Adjective
  • All four movies exhibit Mackenzie’s knack for trenchant social and political commentary slightly heightened by his elegance as a dramatist and visceral genre filmmaker, and all are accompanied by illuminating supplements.
    — Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 16 Oct. 2026
  • 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
Definition of trenchant
Adjective
  • Watch On Aimless but charming Lloyd (John Cusack) falls for the ambitious Diane (Ione Skye) as the end of high school draws near in this hilarious but also poignant film.
    — David Faris, TheWeek, 29 Oct. 2026
  • Lily’s status as an amateur makes this struggle all the more poignant.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 27 Oct. 2026
Definition of poignant
Adjective
  • Perry was best known for his role on Friends playing the acerbic and awkwardly charming Chandler Bing, a character that permanently shot him into the public eye.
    — CT Jones, Rolling Stone, 27 Oct. 2026
  • 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
Definition of acerbic
Adjective
  • These sections are narrated by the institutional voice of the CIA itself in a relentlessly sardonic tone rife with acronyms, codenames and jargon rendered in multiple fonts.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 5 Nov. 2026
  • Where Thomas is aloof and proud, Erika is prickly and sardonic, excellent tools for protecting a surprisingly fragile heart.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 23 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 8 Nov. 2026.

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