acidulous

adjective

ə-ˈsi-jə-ləs How to pronounce acidulous (audio)
Definition of acidulousnext
1
as in acidic
causing or characterized by the one of the four basic taste sensations that is produced chiefly by acids a slightly acidulous drink that is far more refreshing than the overly sweet iced tea that is also available

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2
as in sarcastic
marked by the use of wit that is intended to cause hurt feelings a gently acidulous writing style that never becomes annoying

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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 acidulous Six days a week, its chirpy, acidulous anchors expose the shortcomings of cabinet ministers and their opposition shadows. — Dominic Green, WSJ, 11 Nov. 2022 His tangy, off-kilter visual compositions, rendered in an acidulous, sun-washed Kodachrome palette, convey a sense of spontaneous wonder and enthusiasm and lend daily conversations and activities a distinctive cinematic identity. — Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 23 June 2022 Sharp observations like these show us glimpses of the acidulous social satirist of Hollywood’s Golden Age. — Washington Post, 28 Apr. 2021 Sourced from Provence, the purple plant is balanced out by acidulous Italian bergamot and spicy-sweet tonka bean. — Lauren Valenti, Vogue, 6 June 2019
Recent Examples of Synonyms for acidulous
  1. acidic
  2. sarcastic
  3. acid
  4. satiric
  5. barbed
Adjective
  • With blistering satirical slants and a steady mix of acidic jabs at middle-class life, Darko should be boffo among the teen and young adults segment as well as those viewers still plugged into a sophomoric self-identity.
    — Duane Byrge, HollywoodReporter, 26 Oct. 2026
  • Rice vinegar is acidic and tart, with little natural sweetness.
    — Bon Appétit, Bon Appetit Magazine, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of acidic
Adjective
  • Eidra pushes her tendency to get glib and sarcastic rather than risk being vulnerable and honest to its farthest limits.
    — Sophie Brookover, Vulture, 16 Oct. 2026
  • The interest has been driven largely by the brand's casual, sarcastic tone and active participation in online trends.
    — Megan Sauer, CNBC, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of sarcastic
Adjective
  • Whatever your pleasure, there’s no wrong way to take an acid trip.
    — Emily Saladino, Bon Appetit Magazine, 19 Oct. 2026
  • The idea that these two would have a five-minute-or-less breakup conversation, then plop down on the couch and happily embark on an acid trip together, strains credulity a little, even for this bizarre, codependent friend group.
    — Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of acid
Adjective
  • In his essay, Baron Cohen says that’s the point, because the character is a satirical figure designed to expose prejudice.
    — K.J. Yossman, Variety, 20 Oct. 2026
  • Riehle played Tom Smykowski, a cynical Initech product manager, in Mike Judge’s 1999 satirical comedy Office Space, sharing credits with Ron Livingston, Jennifer Aniston, Stephen Root and Gary Cole.
    — Armando Tinoco, Deadline, 19 Oct. 2026
Definition of satiric
Adjective
  • Palestinian activist Eid Hatlin said barbed wire in the yard was placed by settlers.
    — Daniel Estrin, NPR, 25 Oct. 2026
  • Meanwhile, North Korea has been adding mines, barbed wire fences, tactical roads, anti-tank walls and other fortifications to what's already one of the world's most heavily armed borders.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of barbed

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acid tests
acidulous
acing
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Cite this Entry

“Acidulous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/acidulous. Accessed 29 Oct. 2026.

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