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

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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Yet it’s also, via Hart’s acerbic bon mots, an incisive exploration of two opposing views of art.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

In the most dramatic cases, people who have been unable to communicate or even recognize their spouses or children for years suddenly become alert and exhibit their former personalities, complete with reminiscences and incisive questions.

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When opening the Journal each day, I expect fine news coverage and incisive editorials.

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Related Words

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