Trenchant
hardPositive toneTREN-chunt
adjective
Definition
incisive, sharply perceptive, and forceful in expression
Memory hook
TRENCHANT: picture a sword digging a TRENCH in one clean cut — sharp, forceful, and right to the point.
Word roots
Learning roots unlocks whole word families. Study common GRE root words.
Examples
“Her trenchant critique exposed every flaw in the proposal within a single paragraph.”
“The columnist is known for trenchant analysis that spares no one.”
Test yourself
Fill in the blank with the right word:
“Her ______ critique exposed every flaw in the proposal within a single paragraph.”
Show answer
trenchant
Synonyms
Antonyms
Categories
GRE Tip
Trenchant is a hard-difficulty GRE word. On the GRE, you might see it paired with synonyms like "incisive" or "penetrating" in Sentence Equivalence questions. Look for contrast clues (however, despite, although) that signal the opposite meaning. Words like "vague".
Related GRE Words
acute
Having or showing a perceptive understanding or insight; sharp or severe
approbation
official or warm approval and praise
deprecate
to express strong disapproval of; to belittle
egregious
conspicuously and outrageously bad
felicitous
well-chosen and apt; pleasingly suitable
grandiloquent
pompous or inflated in language; using lofty, bombastic speech
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