double-edged

[duhb-uhl-ejd] / ˈdʌb əlˈɛdʒd /

ADJECTIVE

backhanded

Synonyms

STRONGEST

sarcastic

WEAK

ambiguous equivocal sardonic two-edged

ADJECTIVE

ironic

Synonyms

STRONGEST

arrogant caustic incongruous mocking paradoxical ridiculous sardonic satiric satirical twisted unexpected wry

WEAK

acrid alert backbiting biting bitter burlesque chaffing clever contemptuous contradictory critical cutting cynical defiant derisive disparaging exaggerated implausible incisive ironical jibing keen mordant pungent quick-witted scathing scoffing sharp sneering spicy trenchant uncomplimentary witty

Antonyms

STRONGEST

straight

WEAK

sincere

ADJECTIVE

ironic/ironical

Synonyms

WEAK

acrid alert arrogant backbiting biting bitter burlesque caustic chaffing clever contemptuous contradictory critical cutting cynical defiant derisive disparaging exaggerated implausible incisive incongruous jibing keen mocking mordant paradoxical pungent quick-witted ridiculous sardonic satiric satirical scathing scoffing sharp sneering spicy trenchant twisted uncomplimentary witty wry

Antonyms

WEAK

considerate deferential

ADJECTIVE

sharp

Synonyms

STRONGEST

biting caustic harsh incisive pointed scathing severe stinging

STRONG

cutting short tart

WEAK

acrimonious angry barbed inconsiderate penetrating peppery piercing pungent sarcastic sardonic stabbing thoughtless trenchant unceremonious ungracious virulent vitriolic

Antonyms

STRONGEST

gentle kind mild nice soothing

WEAK

benevolent

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Some publishers say podcasts are a double-edged sword—they may be cannibalizing nonfiction reading, but can also serve as a useful sales driver in a fragmented media market.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 18, 2026

Gellar wields a double-edged sword: “Buffy” helped shape the landscape of modern TV, but it’s because the show was and is so popular that the role sticks to her no matter where she goes.

From Salon • Mar. 26, 2026

Popularity on Wall Street is a double-edged sword.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 16, 2026

"France have got that double-edged sword of physicality up front and the ball-playing ability out wide," said the former flanker.

From BBC • Feb. 15, 2026

In half a second, I held a shimmering bronze sword with a double-edged blade, a leather-wrapped grip, and a flat hilt riveted with gold studs.

From "The Lightning Thief" by Rick Riordan

double-edged

Example Sentences

Related Words