1
as in bitterness
a harsh or sharp quality
there's a tartness to this movie critic's reviews that's a little tiresome
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in severity
biting sharpness of feeling or expression
there's a telltale tartness between these two teams that nobody could miss
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 tartness
The citrus filling in this luscious layered dessert is utterly delightful, especially paired with the tartness of the cranberry jelly layer.
—
Hallie Milstein, Southern Living, 1 May 2026
Its natural tartness is softened by coconut, rose, vanilla bean, and a hefty dose of sugar.
—Hannah Agran, Midwest Living, 29 Apr. 2026
Dulces Clara’s colorful inventory of Mexican candy features a variety of unique creations, like the popular Hormigas, a hard caramel candy with a watermelon flavor and a dusting of spicy chili powder, and gummies that mix the sweetness of mango with the tartness of tamarind.
—Gloria Casas, Chicago Tribune, 2 Apr. 2026
Altoids Sours Altoids Sours, launched by Wrigley in the early 2000s, were packaged in distinctive metal tins and delivered an intense tartness before turning sweet.
—Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 28 Mar. 2026
In the Wild Eyed Rose, the voluptuous tartness of the grenadine gets to arc across the whole palate, supported by the warm light malt of the Irish whiskey and given a malic kiss at the end by the lime juice.
—Jeremy Repanich, Robb Report, 14 Mar. 2026
This recipe stands out from all the rest with brown butter’s toasty, nutty addition to the shortbread base and abundant fresh lemon juice, bringing all its aromatic tartness to every bite.
—Jennifer Anderson, Martha Stewart, 17 Feb. 2026
Hallie Milstein, Southern Living, 1 May 2026
Its natural tartness is softened by coconut, rose, vanilla bean, and a hefty dose of sugar.
—Hannah Agran, Midwest Living, 29 Apr. 2026
Dulces Clara’s colorful inventory of Mexican candy features a variety of unique creations, like the popular Hormigas, a hard caramel candy with a watermelon flavor and a dusting of spicy chili powder, and gummies that mix the sweetness of mango with the tartness of tamarind.
—Gloria Casas, Chicago Tribune, 2 Apr. 2026
Altoids Sours Altoids Sours, launched by Wrigley in the early 2000s, were packaged in distinctive metal tins and delivered an intense tartness before turning sweet.
—Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 28 Mar. 2026
In the Wild Eyed Rose, the voluptuous tartness of the grenadine gets to arc across the whole palate, supported by the warm light malt of the Irish whiskey and given a malic kiss at the end by the lime juice.
—Jeremy Repanich, Robb Report, 14 Mar. 2026
This recipe stands out from all the rest with brown butter’s toasty, nutty addition to the shortbread base and abundant fresh lemon juice, bringing all its aromatic tartness to every bite.
—Jennifer Anderson, Martha Stewart, 17 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tartness
Noun
-
Charlotte struggled to surmount her anger and bitterness toward her once-dear sibling.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
12 May 2026
-
This tendency, called marcescence, may have developed a few million years ago to discourage large mammals from browsing on trees in winter due to the bitterness of the tannin-rich leaves surrounding buds.—
Luke Miller,
Better Homes & Gardens,
11 May 2026
Noun
-
Trinidad and Tobago disputes the spill’s size and severity, saying only 10 barrels spilled on May 1 and were quickly contained.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
11 May 2026
-
Research shows a strong link between HS severity and metabolic factors like obesity and insulin resistance, which contribute to a chronic pro-inflammatory state.—
Lauryn Higgins,
Flow Space,
11 May 2026
Noun
-
The third Ember Group restaurant, scheduled to open June 1, is Imoto, another small plate spot that specializes in sushi and other Asian bites.—
Connie Ogle
Updated May 8,
Miami Herald,
8 May 2026
-
This free Saturday series offers full-service food and drink, with beer, cider, cocktails and local bites on site.—
John Wenzel,
Denver Post,
8 May 2026
Noun
-
But many still derived entertainment from the frequent outbreak of hostilities between the teams, the FIA, and the commercial rights holder (then Bernie Ecclestone; now Liberty Media).—
Jonathan M. Gitlin,
ArsTechnica,
11 May 2026
-
Their hostility tended to be reserved for Steven Gerrard.—
Simon Johnson,
New York Times,
11 May 2026
Noun
-
The outbreak of hantavirus on a cruise ship moored off the western coast of Africa is gripping a world primed by recent painful experience to be on edge for the next Covid-19-like event.—
Helen Branswell,
STAT,
7 May 2026
-
But there’s a significant difference in setting the edge on the college level and doing it in the NFL, where the offensive tackles and tight ends are usually bigger and stronger.—
Omar Kelly,
Miami Herald,
7 May 2026
Noun
-
Avoid using vinegar and other acidic cleaners to clean glass doors in showers with natural stone because the acidity can etch or damage the finish.—
Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
5 May 2026
-
Get the azaleas off to a good start by having soil acidity tested, and adjusting the pH if needed, following test recommendations.—
Tom MacCubbin,
The Orlando Sentinel,
2 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Tartness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tartness. Accessed 15 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
