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 smell of coffee and conchas at one food cart — and food cooked on a plancha at another — mingled with the lingering acrid smoke of the smoldering remains of the surrounding neighborhood. —

Mel Buer, The Mercury News, 15 Jan. 2025 The sky was clear over Los Angeles on Tuesday, a welcome respite after acrid smoke from wildfires choked the region last week. —

Amy Graff, New York Times, 15 Jan. 2025 My house was fine — lots of soot and ash, even inside, and the smell inside was acrid. —

Katherine Turman, People.com, 12 Jan. 2025 Assigned to Joint Base Balad, one of the largest war zone U.S. installations, for a one-year hitch, Torres worked, ate, slept and exercised amid the acrid black smoke that billowed from the 10-acre burn pit fueled 24/7 by anything and everything that was disposable. —

John C. Moritz, Austin American-Statesman, 1 Jan. 2024 See all Example Sentences for acrid

Recent Examples of Synonyms for acrid

Adjective

Each set has two pre-spoons ideal for purées, doubling as a teether for sore gums, and an open-channel spoon for gripping to soft solids.

— Nora Colomer, Fox News, 8 Feb. 2025
In the series finale, Belle arrives late to Milla’s funeral, sticking out like a sore thumb amid friends and family burdened by genuine grief.

— Erin Jensen, USA TODAY, 7 Feb. 2025