sharp-tongued

adjective

Definition of sharp-tonguednext
as in acerbic

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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 sharp-tongued Smart and supremely confident, sharp-tongued but easily wounded. — Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 27 May 2026 Much like this Air sign, Chucky is sharp-tongued, switching between clever and terror in an instant. — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 30 Oct. 2025 The film follows Kat Stratford, a fiercely independent and sharp-tongued teenager played by Julia Stiles who has no interest in dating. — Jane Lacroix, People.com, 2 Nov. 2024 His icy and sharp-tongued mother (Corinna Harfouch) is dying of cancer. — Scott Roxborough, The Hollywood Reporter, 3 Sep. 2019
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sharp-tongued
  1. acerbic
  2. sardonic
  3. sarcastic
  4. caustic
  5. spiky
  6. sour
  7. satiric
  8. barbed
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
  • 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
  • Watch On In this Canadian cult classic that doubles as a coming-of-age story, a sardonic goth transforms into a werewolf in the days leading up to Halloween and terrifies her younger sister.
    — David Faris, TheWeek, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of sardonic
Adjective
  • Eidra pushes her tendency to get glib and sarcastic rather than risk being vulnerable and honest to its farthest limits.
    — Sophie Brookover, Vulture, 16 Oct. 2026
  • The interest has been driven largely by the brand's casual, sarcastic tone and active participation in online trends.
    — Megan Sauer, CNBC, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of sarcastic
Adjective
  • This often caustic character study gives her a real showcase to stretch out and go to some truly dark places.
    — David Fear, Rolling Stone, 13 Oct. 2026
  • Hosted by Atlanta News First, the hourlong debate was caustic and the jabs often deeply personal.
    — AJC.com, AJC.com, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of caustic
Adjective
  • Still, even with the Justice Department approving the WBD merger late last week without any concessions, the Paramount Skydance’s CEO’s happy face masked some spikey obstacles to the merger from overseas and in state houses over Ellison’s strategic bear hug with the ex-Apprentice host.
    — Dominic Patten, Deadline, 15 June 2026
  • This will be a bumper quarter for oil and gas shareholders, who have always learned to stick it out through the doldrums for spikey periods like this.
    — Tim McDonnell, semafor.com, 19 Mar. 2026
Definition of spiky
Adjective
  • Its warped vocal harmonies are ripe and sour, including guest appearances from the band’s friends, and off-kilter squiggles on steel guitar deviate from their usual pattern.
    — Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 21 Oct. 2026
  • This Advent calendar is our favorite pick for recipients that prefer their candy a little more sour.
    — Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of sour
Adjective
  • In his essay, Baron Cohen says that’s the point, because the character is a satirical figure designed to expose prejudice.
    — K.J. Yossman, Variety, 20 Oct. 2026
  • Riehle played Tom Smykowski, a cynical Initech product manager, in Mike Judge’s 1999 satirical comedy Office Space, sharing credits with Ron Livingston, Jennifer Aniston, Stephen Root and Gary Cole.
    — Armando Tinoco, Deadline, 19 Oct. 2026
Definition of satiric
Adjective
  • Attorneys for the country music icon’s estate claimed Seaver covered his front porch in barbed wire and yellow caution tape, thus delaying the formal delivery of the suit.
    — Allison DeGrushe, StyleCaster, 6 Oct. 2026
  • Their long, barbed tongues can easily wind into ant and termite homes, licking up the bugs inside.
    — Lauren Penington, Denver Post, 4 Oct. 2026
Definition of barbed

Browse Nearby Words

sharp-sighted
sharp-tongued
sharp-witted
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Cite this Entry

“Sharp-tongued.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sharp-tongued. Accessed 26 Oct. 2026.

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