i Register
In some senses, acerbic is marked as figuratively. Watch for register when choosing this word.
acerbic
/əˈsɜː(ɹ)bɪk/
adj 2
Collocations
4ADJ.
gifted, most
VERB + ACERBIC
making, object
ACERBIC + NOUN
garlic, people, tongue, wit, yours
PREP.
in
Definitions
adj
1
Tasting sour or bitter.
Those consumers who object to the acerbic taste of garlic can purchase de-odorized garlic or allicin extract.
2
Sharp, harsh, biting.
Supercompetent, superconfident and supercritical, Schmidt is a gifted orator whose acerbic wit earned him the nickname "Schmidt the Lip."
[H]e is one of the most acerbic people in his field, quick to take offense and not shy about telling people with whom he disagrees how much he thinks they have failed in thought and action.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
adjective — sour or bitter in taste
Antonyms
Idioms & Phrases
Example Bank
501
Those consumers who object to the acerbic taste of garlic can purchase de-odorized garlic or allicin extract.
Wiktionary02
Supercompetent, superconfident and supercritical, Schmidt is a gifted orator whose acerbic wit earned him the nickname "Schmidt the Lip."
Wiktionary03
[H]e is one of the most acerbic people in his field, quick to take offense and not shy about telling people with whom he disagrees how much he thinks they have failed in thought and action.
Wiktionary04
I'll try to stay on your good side, lest I get cut in two by that acerbic tongue of yours.
Tatoeba · #51152705
Tom has a way of making acerbic comments that can sting.
Tatoeba · #11905423Usage Notes
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