Trenchant — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

adjective /ˈtren-chənt/ tren·chant

Meaning & Definition of Trenchant

Trenchant (adjective)

  1. keen, sharp
  2. vigorously effective and articulate; also, caustic
  3. sharply perceptive, penetrating

Trenchant (adjective) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. having an edge thin enough to cut or pierce something

    "even the most trenchant sword could not sever the bonds of loyalty between them"

    similar: cutting, edged, edgy, ground, honed, keen, sharp, sharpened, stropped, whetted
    related: clawlike, daggerlike, knifelike, jabbing, jagged, lacerating, piercing, scratching, stabbing, pointed, pointy, spiky
    opposite: blunt, blunted, dull, dulled, obtuse
    near: rounded, smooth, soft, even, flat, level, slick

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Trenchant

The most common words with a similar meaning to Trenchant:

cutting, edged, edgy, ground, honed, keen, sharp, sharpened, stropped, whetted

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Trenchant

Words with the opposite meaning of Trenchant:

blunt, blunted, dull, dulled, obtuse

Related Words for Trenchant

clawlike, daggerlike, knifelike, jabbing, jagged, lacerating, piercing, scratching, stabbing, pointed, pointy, spiky

Near Antonyms of Trenchant

rounded, smooth, soft, even, flat, level, slick

Word Forms of Trenchant

Derived words: trenchantly (adverb)

Origin & Etymology of Trenchant

Middle English trenchaunt, from Anglo-French, present participle of trencher

First known use: 14th century

Frequently Asked Questions about Trenchant

What does "Trenchant" mean?

"Trenchant" means keen, sharp. As an adjective, it is defined as: keen, sharp.

What is another word for "Trenchant"?

Other words for "Trenchant" include cutting, edged, edgy, ground, honed, keen, sharp and sharpened. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Trenchant" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Trenchant"?

There are 22 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Trenchant". Common alternatives include cutting, edged, edgy, ground, honed, keen, sharp, sharpened, stropped and whetted.

What is the opposite of "Trenchant"?

Antonyms of "Trenchant" include blunt, blunted, dull, dulled and obtuse. Near antonyms include rounded, smooth, soft and even.

How do you use "Trenchant" in a sentence?

Examples of "Trenchant" in a sentence: "even the most trenchant sword could not sever the bonds of loyalty between them".

Is "Trenchant" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Trenchant" is an adjective.

How do you pronounce "Trenchant"?

"Trenchant" is pronounced /ˈtren-chənt/ and divided into syllables as tren·chant.

What is the origin of the word "Trenchant"?

"Trenchant" comes from Middle English trenchaunt, from Anglo-French, present participle of trencher. First known use: 14th century.