Acerbic Definition

acerbic
adjective
  1. sour or bitter in taste
  2. harsh or corrosive in tone; "an acerbic tone piercing otherwise flowery prose"; "a barrage of acid comments"; "her acrid remarks make her many enemies"; "bitter words"; "blistering criticism"; "caustic jokes about political assassination, talk-show hosts and medical ethics"; "a sulfurous denunciation"; "a vitriolic critique"

Usage tips for "acerbic"

Understanding the precise definition of a word helps you use it with confidence. When using "acerbic" in your writing, consider whether you need the word itself or one of its synonyms — subtle differences in meaning can change the tone of a sentence. If you're writing poetry or song lyrics, check the rhymes for acerbic to find words that pair well.

Look up another word