acerbity

Definitions

Sharpness and directness in manner, speech, or temper.

A sour or bitter taste.

Examples

The acerbity of her tone made it clear that she was deeply offended by the suggestion.

Despite the acerbity of the critic's review, the author remained confident in the quality of her work.

He tried to mask his disappointment with a touch of acerbity, but his hurt was evident to everyone in the room.

Synonyms

bitterness acrimony tartness sharpness causticity harshness severity

Antonyms

sweetness mildness kindness gentleness amiability affability geniality