mordant

adjective

ˈmȯr-dᵊnt How to pronounce mordant (audio)
Definition of mordantnext
as in satiric
marked by the use of wit that is intended to cause hurt feelings a mordant review of the movie that compared it to having one's teeth pulled for two hours

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective mordant contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of mordant are acrid, caustic, and scathing. While all these words mean "stingingly incisive," mordant suggests a wit that is used with deadly effectiveness.

mordant reviews of the play

When might acrid be a better fit than mordant?

The synonyms acrid and mordant are sometimes interchangeable, but acrid implies bitterness and often malevolence.

acrid invective

When would caustic be a good substitute for mordant?

The meanings of caustic and mordant largely overlap; however, caustic suggests a biting wit.

caustic comments

When can scathing be used instead of mordant?

While in some cases nearly identical to mordant, scathing implies indignant attacks delivered with fierce severity.

a scathing satire

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 mordant But there are two more MCU crossovers — one from The Avengers and one from X-Men — that go beyond fan service to bring welcome touches, respectively, of mordant humor and unpredictable danger. — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 28 July 2026 Twain reserved his most mordant reflections on American politics for Congress, in his time the most potent—and corrupt—branch of government. — Ron Chernow, The Atlantic, 2 July 2026 The direct ionic and hydrogen-bonding interactions between the prickly pear peel pigment and the wool fiber enabled by microwaving eliminates the need for a mordant intermediary. — Jennifer Bringle, Footwear News, 17 June 2026 But the main model is Humphrey Bogart, whose looks Cage’s recall more than a little; Bogart played Sam Spade and Philip Marlowe in the films most associated with those characters, whose mordant humor creator-writer Oren Uziel seeks to replicate here, with fair success. — Television Critic, Los Angeles Times, 25 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for mordant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mordant
  1. satiric
  2. sarcastic
  3. acid
  4. acidic
  5. barbed
  6. caustic
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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
Adjective
  • This often caustic character study gives her a real showcase to stretch out and go to some truly dark places.
    — David Fear, Rolling Stone, 13 Oct. 2026
  • Hosted by Atlanta News First, the hourlong debate was caustic and the jabs often deeply personal.
    — AJC.com, AJC.com, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of caustic

Browse Nearby Words

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Cite this Entry

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

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More from Merriam-Webster on mordant

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about mordant

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