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Definition of acerbic

acerbic

/əˈsɜːr.bɪk/
a · cer · bic
Adverb:acerbically
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acerbic Lexical Profile

acerbic Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Sharp and forthright in tone, style, or expression; bitingly critical or sarcastic.

Example

"The film critic was known for his acerbic reviews that spared no director's ego."

2

Tasting sour, acid, or bitter, like unripe fruit; astringent.

Example

"The wild crabapples had an acerbic flavor that made them unsuitable for eating raw."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for acerbic

• Nearby Words

accustomed
ace
acer
acerbic
acerola
acetaminophen
acetate

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in the mid-19th century from the older English adjective 'acerb' plus the suffix '-ic', ultimately deriving from the Latin 'acerbus' (sour, unripe, or harsh), which shares a root with 'acer' (sharp).

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Acerbic. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/acerbic
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