mordant
sharply sarcastic or biting in style
Word origin: From Latin mordere, to bite.
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Verbal · Text Completion
The committee's report was praised for its candor, yet its central recommendation was so blank that administrators could cite it to justify nearly any policy they had already resolved to pursue.
Using “mordant” well
Mordant describes humor or criticism that is sharply sarcastic and biting, cutting yet often clever. Note the unrelated noun mordant in dyeing, a fixative that sets color.
More GRE words starting with M
disturbing and horrifying because concerned with death
a ceremonial staff carried as a symbol of authority, or a heavy spiked club used as a weapon
to soften or break down by soaking in liquid
a scheming or crafty plot intended to do harm
a violent whirlpool or scene of turbulent disorder
having or showing great authority and command
the quality of being generous, noble-minded, and forgiving, especially toward rivals or enemies
generous and forgiving, especially toward a rival or weaker party
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