mordant
Acidic in tone
Mordant describes something bitingly sharp or caustic, especially in wit or criticism: a mordant sense of humor, mordant commentary on celebrity culture.
The word suggests incisive observation that cuts deep, often with dark or sardonic undertones.
In dyeing, a mordant is a substance that fixes color to fabric—the metaphor being that mordant remarks similarly leave a lasting mark.
Harshly critical or cold
- scathingSeverely and bitingly critical
- sardonicGrimly mocking
- cuttingDividing via sharp edge
- acerbicSharp and biting
vitriolic · trenchant · incisive · sarcastic · cynical · stinging · harsh · pungent
Substance that preserves artwork
- alumAstringent mineral salt
- tannicHaving bark-derived acids
- chromiumElement twenty-four
- tanningCuring hides or bronzing
textiles · colorfast · fabric · indigo · madder · cochineal · logwood · iron
biting
Harshly critical or cold
acerbic · vitriolic · trenchant · incisive · sarcastic · cynical · stinging · harsh · pungent · acidulous
fixative
Substance that preserves artwork
tanning · textiles · colorfast · fabric · indigo · madder · cochineal · logwood · iron · copper
etchant
Chemical for controlled corrosion
plate · printmaking · aquatint · intaglio · engraving · burin · drypoint · resist · ground · incise
satire
Mockery exposing vice
quip · banter · lampoon · ridicule · mockery · wisecrack · parody · jibe · taunt · droll
mordantcomforting
Giving emotional ease
soothing · encouraging · uplifting · constructive · supportive
mordantplayful
Inclined toward fun
lighthearted · good-humored · merry · droll · waggish