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 The reparations movement has been dexterous and incisive, and transnationalism has been key in the reparations movement. — Literary Hub, 27 July 2026 The similarly incisive Black Money for White Nights, by Kristina Grozeva and Petar Valchanov, is very much cut from the same cloth, set in the same post-Soviet black-market economy where everyone is on the take. — Damon Wise, Deadline, 11 July 2026 The first goal came about through the kind of incisive and free-flowing attack that had been a hallmark of the contest in SoFi Stadium one week ago. — David Close, CNN Money, 19 June 2026 Beyond classic sea vistas, Conecta Magaluf-Mallorca’s conference strand also allowed delegates a rapid, often incisive catch-up on the state of the international TV business, as well as how cutting edge tourist concerns have become a new driver for part of the film-TV industry. — John Hopewell, Variety, 1 June 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 acidic qualities of both the apple and vinegar will kill the bacteria under the feet and nails.
    — BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 17 Aug. 2026
  • Some researchers have proposed that, when filled with an acidic liquid, the assembly could generate a small electrical charge.
    — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 16 Aug. 2026
Definition of acidic
Adjective
  • There was an acid trip of a halftime show starring Madonna, Justin Bieber, BTS, and Shakira.
    — Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 22 July 2026
  • Lithium-ion, lead-acid, sodium-ion and other technologies all have a role to play in the electrification landscape.
    — Darren Tan, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026
Definition of acid
Adjective
  • Briscoe acknowledges the ironic similarities, from driving the #14 to now owning a team, but asserts his venture stems from personal passion and inspiration from various owners.
    — Greg Engle, Forbes.com, 23 Aug. 2026
  • The battle over growing cannabis under the sun is somewhat ironic because hemp, which is the cannabis plant with only trace amounts of the delta-9 THC that gets users high, can be legally grown nationwide in farm fields.
    — Robert McCoppin, Chicago Tribune, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of ironic
Adjective
  • Longer messages Many providers would suggest clear, concise messages from their patients.
    — Elise Haulund, CNN Money, 24 Aug. 2026
  • Effective communication involves being concise, listening actively, and subtly promoting one’s strengths with empathy.
    — Terri Eagle, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of concise
Adjective
  • Guys’ inability to fully deliver for Dean is explored in trenchant lyrics that seem to be exploring fateful realizations about so-so situationships in real time.
    — Chris Willman, Variety, 17 July 2026
  • More so than its source material, the new series is a monster mystery mixed with a trenchant social thriller.
    — Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 6 July 2026
Definition of trenchant
Adjective
  • Dolly Parton, the country music icon whose soaring vibrato vocals, poignant songwriting and sparkling costumes defined her rise, has died.
    — Maria Sherman, Chicago Tribune, 25 Aug. 2026
  • His retirement serves as a poignant reminder of the demanding journey in professional baseball, contrasting with Toronto's ongoing injury woes.
    — Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2026
Definition of poignant
Adjective
  • Malgorzata Szumowska, Michal Englert) Aimee Lou Wood and Johnny Flynn are superb as Anna and Fyodor Dostoevsky in Małgorzata Szumowska and Michał Englert’s acerbic and joyful period film.
    — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 17 Aug. 2026
  • Malgorzata Szumowska, Michal Englert) Aimee Lou Wood and Johnny Flynn play Anna and Fyodor Dostoevsky in Małgorzata Szumowska and Michał Englert’s acerbic and joyful period film.
    — Alex Ritman, Variety, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of acerbic
Adjective
  • It is loosely based on his 2000 memoir Kitchen Confidential, which revealed the raw chaos of restaurant kitchens in Bourdain's signature sardonic humor.
    — Brittney Melton, NPR, 14 Aug. 2026
  • But Cheekface will still be here, filtering our depraved mutterings into sardonic bangers.
    — Zach Schonfeld, Pitchfork, 3 Aug. 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 26 Aug. 2026.

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