trenchant
3
8.2
- adjective
- /ˈtrɛnʧənt/
- Formal
:
agudo
- His trenchant critique of the film captured both its brilliance and its shortcomings.
- trenchant criticism
- trenchant satire
- trenchant critic
He was the scholar whose analysis of race we found so moving and so trenchant that we read it.
- He was the scholar whose analysis of race we found so moving and so trenchant that we read it.
- Frank has become a trenchant critic of the dysfunctions of democratic institutions and practices, especially those on display in Washington today.
Examples
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The trenchant comments of an anonymous referee did much to sharpen the exposition.
Academic text (1990) -
The article ends with the trenchant question, "Does anyone really think the second term will be any different?"
Blog text (30) -
I just love her very incisive and trenchant observations, this being one of them.
-
The developmental state model has been subjected to trenchant criticism from two very different sources.
Academic text (2002) -
Frank has become a trenchant critic of the dysfunctions of democratic institutions and practices, especially those on display in Washington today.
-
Leo Stein's criticism, as she reported it in Everybody's Autobiography, is still trenchant, however.
Academic text (1990) -
Some of their most trenchant critics take issue with the so-called postmodern features of Hardt and Negri's books.
Academic text (2016) -
There will, of course, be missteps and slides backward, and Kass is surely to be commended for his trenchant reminders that scientific progress doesn't necessarily entail moral progress or wisdom.
Academic text (2003) -
Her trenchant remarks during the debate highlighted the flaws in the proposed policy.
-
The author's trenchant writing style makes complex ideas easy to understand.
Synonyms
100
3.8
Speaking in a direct, plain way that can sound rude
78
4.2
To speak freely and directly about opinions or feelings
23
5.2
It shows strong feeling and makes a point clearly
17
5.6
Direct and strong speech, writing, or action that shocks people
8
8.2
Speech or writing that is harsh and likely to offend people
2
6.5
Sharp, biting words that can hurt or shock people
Very critical and hurtful in speech or writing
Very careful and deep, trying to find hidden problems
Antonyms
Compounds
How Incisive
Surface Forms
Etymology
The word trenchant comes from an old French verb trancher that means 'to cut', and you can see the same idea in the English word trench, a long cut in the ground. So a trenchant remark is like a 'cutting' comment, because it is clear, direct and forceful.