acerbic
11 synonyms and 2 antonyms for acerbic, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adj — Having a sour or bitter taste.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. adj
Having a sour or bitter taste.
“Those consumers who object to the acerbic taste of garlic can purchase de-odorized garlic or allicin extract.”
Opposites
2. adj
Cutting and unkind in tone or manner.
“Supercompetent, superconfident and supercritical, Schmidt is a gifted orator whose acerbic wit earned him the nickname "Schmidt the Lip."”
Opposites
