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trenchant Definition

trench·ant (tren′c̸hənt)

adjective

  1. Archaic cutting; sharp
  2. keen; penetrating; incisive trenchant words
  3. forceful; vigorous; effective a trenchant argument
  4. clear-cut; distinct a trenchant pattern

Etymology: ME < OFr, prp. of trenchier: see trench

trenchant Related Forms
trench′·ancy noun trench′·antly adverb
trenchant Synonyms

trenchant

modif.

  1. Having a cutting edge

    cutting, incisive, keen, biting, pungent, severe, razor-fine; see also sharp 1.

    Antonyms dull*, blunt*, flat. *

  2. 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.

trenchant Usage Examples

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.