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thrust

thrust

31 6.7
A pointed remark meant to hurt or criticize
  • noun
  • /θrʌst/
translation icon : comentario punzante
  • The pursuit of guilt and repentance is the main thrust of most organized consciousness-raising and sensitivity-training activities.
  • the main thrust
  • a major thrust
  • the thrust of an argument

Examples

  • Her recent article contained a sharp thrust at the government's handling of the crisis.

  • So, but I agree with the thrust of your question.

  • - Yeah, I think I got the thrust of it.

  • The identification and application of these options is the primary thrust of this article.

    Academic text (1991)
  • Notice that both principles have a universalistic thrust, though in different ways.

    Academic text (1990)
  • Identifying the key components that generate efficacy was the main thrust of this study.

    Academic text (1993)
  • The Vietnam War provided an additional thrust, elevating the importance of these issues in the social and medical spheres.

    Academic text (2012)
  • West sees the moral, political, and prophetic thrust of pragmatism as its most vital legacy.

    Academic text (1991)
  • As the tragedy evolves, each episode contributes to the thrust of a final moment of epiphany.

    Academic text (1990)
  • The politician's speech included several pointed thrusts aimed at his opponent's record.

Synonyms

attack
vsthrust
548 3.2

Strong words that criticize someone or something

is specifically a pointed short remark rather than a general forceful assault
shot
vsthrust
  • Offensive
175 5.9

A short angry remark meant to hurt or criticize someone

is often a pointed jab rather than broad hostile language
slam
vsthrust
  • Offensive
34 6.3

An insulting remark meant to hurt someone

is usually a brief pointed jab rather than a full hostile attack
barb
vsthrust
  • Offensive
14 6.4

A short sharp remark meant to hurt or criticize someone

is often a short pointed attack rather than a long personal assault
shaft
vsthrust
  • Offensive
7 7.5

A sharp remark that criticizes someone in a not direct way

is a direct pointed verbal jab rather than an indirect cut
broadside
vsthrust
3 8.2

A strong public attack in speech or writing that criticizes someone

is usually a short pointed remark rather than a long public attack
slam against
vsthrust
  • Offensive
1 7.9

A strong criticism that attacks a person or idea

is often a short pointed remark rather than a full forceful attack
slam on
vsthrust
  • Informal
1 8.2

A strong attack in words on a person or group

is usually a brief pointed verbal jab rather than a long harsh critique
caustic remark
vsthrust
  • Offensive
1 7.2

A harshly critical comment that aims to hurt or mock someone

is more about blunt pointed criticism than mocking sarcasm
catty remark
vsthrust
  • Offensive
1 7.4

A mean comment that aims to hurt someone

is more generally a pointed critical jab rather than social spite
sharp-edged comment
vsthrust
  • Offensive
6.6

A remark that is harsh and meant to hurt someone's feelings

is typically a short pointed jab rather than a broader harsh comment
vitriolic remark
vsthrust
  • Offensive
8.9

A very harsh and angry comment meant to hurt someone

is less extreme and often only a pointed critical jab

Antonyms

342 1.6

A polite remark that praises someone or something

161 1.0

Words or actions that show admiration for someone

Compounds

The main point someone makes in a discussion

1 7.5

A strong stab with a knife into someone's body

thrust fault
  • Specialized
1 8.1

A break in rocks where the top part moves up over the lower part

thrust stage
  • Jargon
1 7.7

A stage that sticks out into the audience with seats on three sides

cut-and-thrust
  • Specialized
9.7

A fight with swords or knives using cutting and stabbing moves

The main point of an argument said in a strong way

A fast forward jab with a hand or a weapon

thrust bearing
  • Specialized
7.4

A part that takes force along a spinning shaft in a machine

straight thrust
  • Specialized
8.7

An attack in fencing where you lunge forward, keeping your back leg straight and your sword arm outstretched

How Sharp

insult
  • Offensive
313 1.3
barb
  • Offensive
14 6.4
thrust
31 6.7
dig
  • Offensive
33 8.1
comment
1.0

Surface Forms

thrust singular
thrusts plural

Etymology

Thrust for a pointed remark comes from the image of a sharp 'stab' or quick push. That is why a witty thrust is like a cutting, pointed push of words.