ACRID Synonyms: 122 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the adjective 'acrid' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of acrid are caustic , mordant , and scathing . While all these words mean "stingingly incisive," acrid implies bitterness and often malevolence. // acrid invective

Q: When would 'caustic' be a good substitute for 'acrid'?

While in some cases nearly identical to acrid , caustic suggests a biting wit. // caustic comments

Q: When can 'mordant' be used instead of 'acrid'?

The words mordant and acrid are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, mordant suggests a wit that is used with deadly effectiveness. // mordant reviews of the play

Q: In what contexts can 'scathing' take the place of 'acrid'?

In some situations, the words scathing and acrid are roughly equivalent. However, scathing implies indignant attacks delivered with fierce severity. // a scathing satire

acrid

adjective

ˈa-krəd

Definition of acrid next

as in sore

having or showing deep-seated resentment there have been acrid relations between the two families ever since they fought over that strip of land

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in satirical

marked by the use of wit that is intended to cause hurt feelings Phillipa's acrid comments about the new employee's clothes were met by laughter from everyone at the lunch table

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective acrid contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of acrid are caustic, mordant, and scathing. While all these words mean "stingingly incisive," acrid implies bitterness and often malevolence.

acrid invective

When would caustic be a good substitute for acrid?

While in some cases nearly identical to acrid, caustic suggests a biting wit.

caustic comments

When can mordant be used instead of acrid?

The words mordant and acrid are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, mordant suggests a wit that is used with deadly effectiveness.

mordant reviews of the play

In what contexts can scathing take the place of acrid?

In some situations, the words scathing and acrid are roughly equivalent. However, scathing implies indignant attacks delivered with fierce severity.

a scathing satire

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 acrid The church was engulfed in flames, and plumes of black, acrid smoke blanketed the intersection. —

James Rainey, Los Angeles Times, 8 Jan. 2025 The acrid smoke hung in the air, flames threatened still from a little ways down his street. —

Jordan Mendoza, USA TODAY, 8 Jan. 2025 The ship operator said the explosions left a hole in the vessel's starboard and filled the engine room with acrid smoke. —

Tom Rogers, Newsweek, 26 Dec. 2024 Scharffen Berger 70% Cacao Bittersweet Dark Chocolate: A nice snap and melt here, but tasters said there was an acrid quality that gave it an unpleasant finish. —

Sam Stone, Bon Appétit, 16 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for acrid

Recent Examples of Synonyms for acrid

Adjective

Several years later, the property is still a sore subject for Atwater.

— Ben Wieder, Miami Herald, 26 Jan. 2025
After all, shin splints, sore feet, and blisters can ruin any activity.

— Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 25 Jan. 2025