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GRE vocabulary

trenchant

adjectiveHigh-frequency wordMore T words

sharply incisive and effective in expression

Word origin: From French trancher, to cut.

In a sentence

Trenchant in a sentence

Here are example sentences showing trenchant in a sentence.

Her trenchant critique exposed every flaw in the proposal within two paragraphs.

Her trenchant analysis of the budget exposed assumptions the other reviewers had simply accepted.

Synonyms
incisivepenetratingcuttingacute
Antonyms
vaguedullwishy-washy
Usage & nuance

Using “trenchant” well

Trenchant describes expression that is sharply incisive and effective, with a positive connotation of penetrating clarity. It is the opposite of vague or dull.

Common questions

Questions about “trenchant

Trenchant (adjective) means sharply incisive and effective in expression
Here is trenchant used in an example sentence: "Her trenchant critique exposed every flaw in the proposal within two paragraphs." Another example: "Her trenchant analysis of the budget exposed assumptions the other reviewers had simply accepted."
Common synonyms for trenchant include incisive, penetrating, cutting, acute.
Antonyms of trenchant include vague, dull, wishy-washy.
Clusters with incisive, penetrating, cutting, and acute in Sentence Equivalence. Its antonyms vague and dull mark the contrasting choice.
Yes. Trenchant is a high-frequency GRE word, so it is worth prioritising as you build your vocabulary.

Learn words the way the GRE tests them.

Vocabulary sticks when you meet it in real sentences. Practise these words inside text completion and sentence equivalence questions.