as in sharpened
having an edge thin enough to cut or pierce something
even the most trenchant sword could not sever the bonds of loyalty between them
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Recent Examples of trenchant
Amid the churn in Europe and globally, with trenchant nationalism on the rise, and a war raging in Ukraine just 1,200 miles from the palace, many might say that having a hereditary royal as their head of state offers some reassuring continuity, acting as a counterweight to political upheaval.
—
Vivienne Walt, Time, 3 Oct. 2025
The star forward opened with a prepared statement criticizing the WNBA not only for the state of its on-court officiating — a trenchant topic during this postseason — but for its lack of transparency and accountability, starting with Commissioner Cathy Engelbert.
—John Shipley, Twin Cities, 30 Sep. 2025
Michèle comes across as a singular and powerful personality, with something of Akerman’s own trenchant intellect, assertive candor, and vulnerable self-revelation.
—Richard Brody, New Yorker, 10 Sep. 2025
Despite Lavrov's trenchant remarks, there may be subtle hints that Putin is ready to do a deal — and that's without knowing what has gone on behind closed doors.
—Alexander Smith, NBC news, 25 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for trenchant
Vivienne Walt, Time, 3 Oct. 2025
The star forward opened with a prepared statement criticizing the WNBA not only for the state of its on-court officiating — a trenchant topic during this postseason — but for its lack of transparency and accountability, starting with Commissioner Cathy Engelbert.
—John Shipley, Twin Cities, 30 Sep. 2025
Michèle comes across as a singular and powerful personality, with something of Akerman’s own trenchant intellect, assertive candor, and vulnerable self-revelation.
—Richard Brody, New Yorker, 10 Sep. 2025
Despite Lavrov's trenchant remarks, there may be subtle hints that Putin is ready to do a deal — and that's without knowing what has gone on behind closed doors.
—Alexander Smith, NBC news, 25 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for trenchant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for trenchant
sharp
Adjective
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In general, acting quickly is key since the pain can be sharp and overwhelming within the first few seconds.—
Taryn White,
Travel + Leisure,
29 Oct. 2025
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The negligible homicide case is seen through the strongest of microscopes, bringing flashbacks of the backstory into sharp focus as questions about faith and the human psyche soon arise.—
Michael Lee Simpson,
Entertainment Weekly,
29 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Trenchant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/trenchant. Accessed 2 Nov. 2025.
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