Definitions

trenchant

[tren-chuhnt] / ˈtrɛn tʃənt /

ADJECTIVE

sarcastic, scathing

Synonyms

STRONGEST

acerbic biting caustic incisive mordant penetrating pointed pungent salient unsparing

WEAK

acid acidulous acute astringent clear clear-cut crisp critical crushing cutting distinct driving dynamic effective effectual emphatic energetic explicit forceful forcible graphic hurtful impressive intense keen piquant potent powerful razor-sharp salty sardonic sententious severe sharp significant strong tart to the point unequivocal vigorous weighty well-defined

Antonyms

STRONGEST

bland blunt calm dull gentle kind mild nice soothing stupid

WEAK

frivolous impotent weak

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.

Since becoming the first US-born pope a year ago this week, Leo XIV's measured style has given way to a trenchant tone in an ongoing confrontation with US President Donald Trump.

From Barron's • May 6, 2026

Anchored by Huertas’ blazing performance, Pierre Saint-Martin’s trenchant debut plays both as a portrait of a person stuck in a state of perpetual grieving and an indictment of a troubled country.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 22, 2025

When Mr. Hart discusses commanders and strategy his views are typically trenchant and insightful.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 1, 2025

Associated Newspapers has not issued a statement in response to the BBC, but has previously denied the allegations, saying it has "filed a trenchant defence of its journalism against claims of phone-hacking".

From BBC • Sep. 12, 2025

There was a trenchant symbolism, too, in massacring a flea with Debrett; no other volume would have been heavy enough.

From The Vanity Girl by MacKenzie, Compton

Vocabulary lists containing trenchant

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