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 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 As embodied by John Lithgow, Dahl is incisive, avuncular, irascible, acerbic, and always entertaining. — Yair Rosenberg, The Atlantic, 31 May 2026 The same goes for Einbinder, who, like Ava, has established herself as a politically outspoken, incisive comedic voice. — Michael Schulman, New Yorker, 29 May 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
  • Common culprits are hot, cold, sweet, or acidic foods and drinks.
    — Julie Marks, Verywell Health, 5 Aug. 2026
  • Clean granite with mild dish soap, warm water, and a soft cloth; avoid acidic cleaners like vinegar or lemon.
    — Caitlin Sole, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 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
  • That ironic reality may await passengers on KLM’s new Amsterdam-Toronto route this fall, among other major carriers.
    — Edward Russell, CNN Money, 15 Aug. 2026
  • There’s wisdom and depth to the film’s themes of growing old, dashed dreams and the magic of rediscovery, plus a deliciously ironic final twist.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of ironic
Adjective
  • Both, along with the rest of Iraola’s staff, wasted no time trying to implement the Spaniard’s vision, helped by the clear and concise messaging Murillo praises the head coach for.
    — Andy Jones, New York Times, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Conversations about tough topics don’t have to be concise, comfortable, or perfectly balanced to be healthy.
    — Angela Haupt, Time, 12 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
  • Building to a poignant climax, writer-director Noah Segan’s elegant love letter to both New York and to bygone cinematic eras recalls both the 1970s, with its grungy urban antiheroes, and the 1990s, in its American indie ethos.
    — Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 11 Aug. 2026
  • The film’s pointed critique of a fractured society severely damaged by playing catch-up capitalism is unmistakable, but for those familiar with recent Ghanaian politics, Armar’s poignant assessment goes deeper.
    — Jay Weissberg, Variety, 9 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 18 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of incisive for Spanish Speakers

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