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trenchant
[ tren-chuhnt ]
/ ˈtrɛn tʃənt /
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This shows grade level based on the word's complexity.
adjective
incisive or keen, as language or a person; caustic; cutting: trenchant wit.
vigorous; effective; energetic: a trenchant policy of political reform.
clearly or sharply defined; clear-cut; distinct.
QUIZ
THINGAMABOB OR THINGUMMY: CAN YOU DISTINGUISH BETWEEN THE US AND UK TERMS IN THIS QUIZ?
Do you know the difference between everyday US and UK terminology? Test yourself with this quiz on words that differ across the Atlantic.
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In the UK, COTTON CANDY is more commonly known as…
Origin of trenchant
OTHER WORDS FROM trenchant
trench·an·cy, nountrench·ant·ly, adverbWords nearby trenchant
tremor, tremulant, tremulous, trenail, trench, trenchant, Trenchard, trench coat, trencher, trencherman, trenches
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use trenchant in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for trenchant
trenchant
/ (ˈtrɛntʃənt) /
adjective
keen or incisivetrenchant criticism
vigorous and effectivea trenchant foreign policy
distinctly defineda trenchant outline
archaic, or poetic sharpa trenchant sword
Derived forms of trenchant
trenchancy, nountrenchantly, adverbWord Origin for trenchant
C14: from Old French trenchant cutting, from trenchier to cut; see trench
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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