trenchant

[tren-chuhnt]

adjective

1. incisive or keen, as language or a person; caustic; cutting.

   trenchant wit.

   Synonyms: acute, biting, sharp

2. vigorous; effective; energetic.

   a trenchant policy of political reform.

3. clearly or sharply defined; clear-cut; distinct.

trenchant

/ ˈtrɛntʃənt /

adjective

1. keen or incisive

   trenchant criticism

2. vigorous and effective

   a trenchant foreign policy

3. distinctly defined

   a trenchant outline

4. archaic,  sharp

   a trenchant sword

Other Word Forms

• trenchancy noun
• trenchantly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of trenchant¹

1275–1325; Middle English tranchaunt < Anglo-French; Old French trenchant, present participle of trenchier to cut. See trench, -ant

Word History and Origins

Origin of trenchant¹

C14: from Old French trenchant cutting, from trenchier to cut; see _trench

Example Sentences

Jude is especially trenchant about how these realities are sold to us, and what’s inherently funny and tragic about that.

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Perhaps this nihilism will prove too trenchant and reactive for some viewers.

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The humor is more direct — Barron can be very funny — but the debate is less trenchant.

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Associated Newspapers has not issued a statement in response to the BBC, but has previously denied the allegations, saying it has "filed a trenchant defence of its journalism against claims of phone-hacking".

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One of the evening’s most incredible moments was a trenchant version of Bob Dylan’s “Blind Willie McTell,” also calling back to the Big Easy, delivered with authority and depth, and rich with color and shading.

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Related Words

• acerbic 
• biting 
• caustic 
• incisive 
• mordant 
• penetrating 
• pointed 
• pungent 
• salient 
• unsparing