incisive

[in-sahy-siv]

adjective

1. penetrating; cutting; biting; trenchant.

   an incisive tone of voice.

   Synonyms: sardonic, sarcastic, mordant, acid

2. remarkably clear and direct; sharp; keen; acute.

   an incisive method of summarizing the issue.

3. adapted for cutting or piercing.

4. of or relating to the incisors.

   the incisive teeth.

incisive

/ ɪnˈsaɪsɪv /

adjective

1. keen, penetrating, or acute

2. biting or sarcastic; mordant

   an incisive remark

3. having a sharp cutting edge

   incisive teeth

Other Word Forms

• incisively adverb
• incisiveness noun
• unincisive adjective
• unincisively adverb
• unincisiveness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of incisive¹

From the Medieval Latin word incīsīvus, dating back to 1520–30. See incise, -ive

Example Sentences

In this incisive, tragic account of the toll of war on the psychically wounded veteran, Salinger introduces Seymour Glass.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

“His return is an ongoing commitment to the incisive comedy and sharp commentary that define ‘The Daily Show.’”

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The auction house described it as a "cultural phenomenon" and an "incisive commentary on the collision of artistic production and commodity value".

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But I’d argue his subtler work on “Back to the Future” is as incisive and cutting, since it acknowledges that the dystopia is already here.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Get breaking news and incisive analysis sent to your inbox.

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Related Words

• acerbic 
• biting 
• caustic 
• concise 
• mordant 
• penetrating 
• sardonic 
• satirical 
• scathing 
• succinct 
• terse 
• trenchant