Acerbic
adjective
Sharp and direct in a way that is hurtful, bitter or harsh.
His acerbic wit could at times offend sensitive individuals.
Often appears as...
- an acerbic tone
- acerbic criticism
Usage tips
Disapproving
adjective
Having a sour or bitter taste.
The acerbic flavor of the lemon made me pucker my lips.
Often appears as...
- acerbic fruit
- acerbic wine
Usage tips
Formal, Neutral
adjective
Sharp and direct in a way that is hurtful, bitter or harsh.
His acerbic wit could at times offend sensitive individuals.
Often appears as...
- an acerbic tone
- acerbic criticism
Usage tips
Disapproving
adjective
Having a sour or bitter taste.
The acerbic flavor of the lemon made me pucker my lips.
Often appears as...
- acerbic fruit
- acerbic wine
Usage tips
Formal, Neutral
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Emotional Impact
Often implies negative feelings, suggesting sharp disappointment or disapproval. Use with caution.
Her acerbic comments during the meeting revealed her discontent.
Pro Tip 2/3Criticism Context
Usually found in contexts of criticism, disagreement, or satire, not casual conversation.
The reviewer's acerbic remarks made the author reconsider his approach.
Pro Tip 3/3Conversational Tone
When used in dialogue, suggests a sharp or stinging tone that can be perceived as rude.
His acerbic response to her question silenced the room.
Pro Tip 1/3Emotional Impact
Often implies negative feelings, suggesting sharp disappointment or disapproval. Use with caution.
Her acerbic comments during the meeting revealed her discontent.
Pro Tip 2/3Criticism Context
Usually found in contexts of criticism, disagreement, or satire, not casual conversation.
The reviewer's acerbic remarks made the author reconsider his approach.
Pro Tip 3/3Conversational Tone
When used in dialogue, suggests a sharp or stinging tone that can be perceived as rude.
His acerbic response to her question silenced the room.
Pro Tip 1/3Emotional Impact
Often implies negative feelings, suggesting sharp disappointment or disapproval. Use with caution.
Her acerbic comments during the meeting revealed her discontent.
Pro Tip 2/3Criticism Context
Usually found in contexts of criticism, disagreement, or satire, not casual conversation.
The reviewer's acerbic remarks made the author reconsider his approach.
Pro Tip 3/3Conversational Tone
When used in dialogue, suggests a sharp or stinging tone that can be perceived as rude.
His acerbic response to her question silenced the room.
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Video examples
How one tweet can ruin...
before her final leg, so she thought up another funny little acerbic And she chuckled to herself, pressed send, got on the plane, got no replies, turned off her phone, fell asleep, woke up 11 hours later,
Video examples
How one tweet can ruin...
before her final leg, so she thought up another funny little acerbic And she chuckled to herself, pressed send, got on the plane, got no replies, turned off her phone, fell asleep, woke up 11 hours later,
Example 1 of 1
Quote examples
Shelley Moore Capito
American Politician
Those old adages - you attract more with honey; do unto others - are true. You can get attention by being acerbic or mean or making a bizarre comment. But by being nice, being empathetic, building relationships and listening, people begin to recognize that you're thoughtful and respectful of their position.
Quote examples
Mark Leibovich
American Journalist
I've always tried to walk a line between being incisive and acerbic, but not mean. Sometimes I'm going to tip over the line a little bit, but that's usually a line I try not to cross.
Quote examples
Aaron Dessner
American Musician
Die Like a Rich Boy' has, for me, some of the strongest lyrical content I've heard in many years; an epic love song laced with dark imagery and acerbic social criticism.
Quote examples
John Scalzi
American Author
Humor is rare in science fiction... there's so little of it that it automatically reminds you of other heroes with that acerbic humor when you find it.
Quote examples
Rod Lurie
Israeli Director
I can be accused of being acerbic as a critic and writer.
Quote examples
Janice Dickinson
American Model
I'm keeping my acerbic wit completely fueled.
Quote examples
Mary McCormack
American Actress
I can be a little acerbic.
Quote examples
Shelley Moore Capito
American Politician
Those old adages - you attract more with honey; do unto others - are true. You can get attention by being acerbic or mean or making a bizarre comment. But by being nice, being empathetic, building relationships and listening, people begin to recognize that you're thoughtful and respectful of their position.
Quote examples
Mark Leibovich
American Journalist
I've always tried to walk a line between being incisive and acerbic, but not mean. Sometimes I'm going to tip over the line a little bit, but that's usually a line I try not to cross.
Quote examples
Aaron Dessner
American Musician
Die Like a Rich Boy' has, for me, some of the strongest lyrical content I've heard in many years; an epic love song laced with dark imagery and acerbic social criticism.
Quote examples
John Scalzi
American Author
Humor is rare in science fiction... there's so little of it that it automatically reminds you of other heroes with that acerbic humor when you find it.
Quote examples
Rod Lurie
Israeli Director
I can be accused of being acerbic as a critic and writer.
Quote examples
Janice Dickinson
American Model
I'm keeping my acerbic wit completely fueled.
Quote examples
Mary McCormack
American Actress
I can be a little acerbic.
Example 1 of 7
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