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.

May’s surprisingly strong jobs report could soon feel like a double-edged sword for borrowers struggling to keep up with inflation and their bills.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 5, 2026

“That’s kind of a double-edged sword,” she said.

From Salon • May 3, 2026

A significant chunk of recent growth has been driven by healthcare spending from an aging population, a trend he described as a double-edged sword.

From Barron's • Mar. 31, 2026

This means that virtual communication is a double-edged sword.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 18, 2026

“My life is a double-edged sword,” Howie says, not speaking of his life as if it’s already over as other defeated Deckers do.

From "They Both Die at the End" by Adam Silvera

double-edged

Example Sentences

Related Words