adjective

acrid

/ nnn̩ˈæk.rɪd/ · say it: AK·rid

unpleasantly bitter or sharp

In Describing & Comparing

In more detail

1. (adjective) having a strong, unpleasant smell or taste that is irritating

2. (adjective) angry or bitter in manner or speech

Examples

1. The acrid smoke from the fire made it hard to breathe.
2. She spoke in an acrid tone, clearly upset about what had happened.

How to use acrid

Acrid is used for both sensory qualities (typically smell or taste that irritates or offends) and emotional tones (sharp, bitter criticism or hostility). In sensory contexts, it often describes smoke, fumes, or chemical smells; in social contexts, it describes confrontational speech or debate. The word carries a strong negative connotation in both uses.

Common phrases

acrid smell
acrid taste
acrid smoke
acrid remarks
acrid tone
acrid debate

Synonyms

pungent · caustic · bitter · harsh · sour

Opposites

mild · pleasant · sweet

Word family

acridity (noun) · acridly (adverb)

A common mistake

Learners sometimes confuse acrid with acid; while both can describe sharp tastes, acrid emphasizes unpleasantness and irritation rather than chemical sourness.

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