caustic
bitingly sarcastic or harshly critical
Word origin: From Greek kaustikos, capable of burning (kaiein to burn).
Using “caustic” well
Caustic describes biting, corrosive sarcasm, drawn from the literal sense of a chemical that burns. The tone is sharply critical and often cruel.
More GRE words starting with C
a small secret group plotting against a government or authority
having a hidden or mysterious meaning understood only by initiates
a harsh, jarring mixture of sounds
to obtain something by begging or sponging off others
falling off or shed at an early stage, especially of plant parts
to coax someone into doing something through flattery or persuasion
an event causing great damage, loss, or distress
misty, dim, or dark, and therefore obscure
Questions about “caustic”
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