trenchant
trench·ant (tren′c̸hənt)
adjective
- Archaic cutting; sharp
- keen; penetrating; incisive trenchant words
- forceful; vigorous; effective a trenchant argument
- clear-cut; distinct a trenchant pattern
Etymology: ME < OFr, prp. of trenchier: see trench
trenchant
modif.
Having a cutting edge
cutting, incisive, keen, biting, pungent, severe, razor-fine; see also sharp 1.Sharp intellectually
unsparing, critical, emphatic, vigorous, impressive, strong, dynamic, pointed, intense, positive, weighty, salient, significant, pithy, sententious, crushing, forcible, crisp, caustic, concise, succinct, razor-sharp, comprehensive, pregnant, neat, to the point, graphic, explicit, ponderous; see also intelligent 1, profound 2.Antonyms
weak*, shallow*, feeble. See syn. study at incisive.incisive.
Modifies a noun
- critique: Marx subjected this state of affairs to a trenchant critique, and made a big splash.
- criticism: Some have been subject to trenchant media criticisms far beyond what they ever should have had to bear.
- critic: Many of the most trenchant critics failed to engage with the pragmatic compromises involved in doing anything in such an environment.
- observation: As part of his work James produced a journal full of exquisite drawings and trenchant observations.
- comment: Here are just a few trenchant comments from the most repeated refrains.
- analysis: It indulges in some fairly trenchant analysis on where the industry is heading.
Modifying Another Word
- fairly: It indulges in some fairly trenchant analysis on where the industry is heading.
- particularly: The ' heritage movement ' has not escaped scrutiny, and museums have come in for particularly trenchant criticism.
- often: His diverse experience, combined with his exuberant personality, erudition and often trenchant views make him a compelling and entertaining speaker.
- intellectually: Intellectually trenchant and emotionally brutal, the film is also a feast of outstanding acting.
- equally: Professor Davis is equally trenchant about her experiences of the political process in the United States.
Browse dictionary entries near trenchant
- trench mouth
- trench mortar
- trench knife
- trench foot
- trench fever
- trench coat
- trench
- trenail
- tremulous
- tremor
- trencher
- trencherman
- trend
- trend line
- Trend Micro Inc.
- trendsetter
- trendy
- Trengganu
- Trent
- trente et quarante
