Acidulous

/əˈsɪdʒələs/
adjective

Slightly sour in taste or slightly bitter in manner.

The acidulous comment he threw her way took her by surprise.
Visual representation of "acidulous" - Slightly sour in taste or slightly bitter in manner.

Often appears as...

  • acidulous comment
  • acidulous tone

Usage tips

Formal

adjective

Sharp or critical in manner.

An acidulous response to such a simple question was unexpected.
Visual representation of "acidulous" - Sharp or critical in manner.

Often appears as...

  • acidulous response
  • acidulous criticism

Usage tips

Formal, Disapproving

adjective

Slightly sour in taste or slightly bitter in manner.

The acidulous comment he threw her way took her by surprise.
Visual representation of "acidulous" - Slightly sour in taste or slightly bitter in manner.

Often appears as...

  • acidulous comment
  • acidulous tone

Usage tips

Formal

adjective

Sharp or critical in manner.

An acidulous response to such a simple question was unexpected.
Visual representation of "acidulous" - Sharp or critical in manner.

Often appears as...

  • acidulous response
  • acidulous criticism

Usage tips

Formal, Disapproving

Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "acidulous"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Subtle Sourness

Use ‘acidulous’ to describe a hint of sourness, less intense than outright sour or bitter flavors.

Illustration for Subtle Sourness
The wine had an acidulous taste that was quite refreshing.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Mild Critique

Apply ‘acidulous’ for mildly sarcastic or critical remarks, often in a clever or witty way.

Illustration for Mild Critique
Her acidulous observations on the decor were both amusing and slightly stinging.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Not Always Negative

Although it can imply negativity, 'acidulous' may just highlight a tangy quality that's not bad.

Illustration for Not Always Negative
The chef's signature dish was an acidulous ceviche.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Subtle Sourness

Use ‘acidulous’ to describe a hint of sourness, less intense than outright sour or bitter flavors.

Illustration for Subtle Sourness
The wine had an acidulous taste that was quite refreshing.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Mild Critique

Apply ‘acidulous’ for mildly sarcastic or critical remarks, often in a clever or witty way.

Illustration for Mild Critique
Her acidulous observations on the decor were both amusing and slightly stinging.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Not Always Negative

Although it can imply negativity, 'acidulous' may just highlight a tangy quality that's not bad.

Illustration for Not Always Negative
The chef's signature dish was an acidulous ceviche.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Subtle Sourness

Use ‘acidulous’ to describe a hint of sourness, less intense than outright sour or bitter flavors.

Illustration for Subtle Sourness
The wine had an acidulous taste that was quite refreshing.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Mild Critique

Apply ‘acidulous’ for mildly sarcastic or critical remarks, often in a clever or witty way.

Illustration for Mild Critique
Her acidulous observations on the decor were both amusing and slightly stinging.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Not Always Negative

Although it can imply negativity, 'acidulous' may just highlight a tangy quality that's not bad.

Illustration for Not Always Negative
The chef's signature dish was an acidulous ceviche.
Visual representation of the word "Acidulous"

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