ISEE/SSAT Vocabulary Builder›Words›A›acerbic
ISEE/SSAThard
acerbic
sharp, biting, or harsh in tone
Synonyms
- biting
- caustic
- sarcastic
Antonyms
- gentle
- mild
- kind
acerbic in a sentence
Her acerbic reply made the room fall silent.
His acerbic humor amused some listeners and wounded others.
Where it comes from
From Latin acerbus, meaning 'sour, bitter, or harsh.'
Memory hook
ACERBIC has a sour bite, like acid in a sentence.
Read it in context
- Signals After Midnight Science