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Definition of "trenchant" []

  • Forceful, effective, and vigorous: a trenchant argument. See Synonyms at incisive. (adjective)
  • Caustic; cutting: trenchant criticism. (adjective)
  • Distinct; clear-cut. (adjective)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

Use "trenchant" in a sentence
  • "Throughout the book, Seife's practiced journalist's eye results in trenchant nonmathematical observations."
  • ""Did you never see anyone wet?" she asked, in trenchant tones."
  • "General Schenck did not appear to differ greatly from Davis, but what he said was in short, trenchant sentences, interjected from time to time."