ACERBITY Synonyms: 37 Similar and Opposite Words

acerbity

noun

ə-ˈsər-bə-tē

Definition of acerbity

as in bitterness

a harsh or sharp quality the customer made his displeasure known with more acerbity than was necessary

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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 acerbity The third element of the trio is Mary Flynn, played by the terrific Lindsey Mendez, a 2018 Tony winner for Carousel, with a natural warmth that offsets the character’s growing acerbity. — David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 12 Dec. 2022 The Brodie books demonstrate her great facility with genre, pairing pulse-quickening suspense with Atkinson’s distinctive blend of puckishness and acerbity. — Sarah Chihaya, The New Yorker, 16 Oct. 2022 Rarely does a reviewer convey her opinion of a book’s strengths and weaknesses with such grace and acerbity. — New York Times, 4 Dec. 2020 There is, however, something respectable and clarifying about its commitment to acerbity. — Kate Knibbs, Wired, 7 Sep. 2020 Overly harsh with citrus, the fish was like an Italianate ceviche, and its acerbity drowned the satiny, subtle panna cotta. — Kate Washington, sacbee, 11 May 2018 By now Dimon is nearly iconic in his acerbity and general spikiness. — Daniel Gross, Slate Magazine, 17 July 2017

Recent Examples of Synonyms for acerbity

Noun

Some are prized for their sweet custard and fruity notes, others for a hint of bitterness, an alcohol tinge or even a peanut butter flavor.

— ABC News, ABC News, 27 Sep. 2026
Arugula’s natural bitterness kicks off digestion before the first bite, cueing saliva, stomach acid and digestive enzymes that help the body prepare to break down a meal.

— Hanna Wickes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 Sep. 2026

Definition of bitterness

Noun

The pilots informed air traffic controllers ahead of landing that one person had a bloody nose and another person had bite marks and requested that medical personnel be waiting at the gate.

— ABC News, ABC News, 12 Oct. 2026
The mild sweetness of onions pairs naturally with tallow’s savory character, and when fried at the right temperature the coating turns crisp and golden without the onions losing their tender bite.

— Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Sacbee.com, 12 Oct. 2026

Definition of bite

Noun

Yet, as in many speculative markets, sophisticated participants often have access to better information, stronger analytical tools and more advanced risk-management techniques than retail participants, giving them an informational edge.

— Aneri Jambusaria, Fortune, 18 Oct. 2026
The eastern edge of the park is the north-south alley that serves businesses along Laramie.

— Edward Keegan, Chicago Tribune, 18 Oct. 2026

Definition of edge

Browse Nearby Words

acerbic

acerbity

aces

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“Acerbity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/acerbity. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of acerbity

noun

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