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HOW TO PRONOUNCE

trenchant

/ˈtɹɛntʃənt/

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American Pronunciation Guide · 0:47
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What does trenchant mean?

adjective

  1. (figuratively) Keen; biting; vigorously articulate and effective; severe.
More meanings (2)

adjective

  1. (archaic) Fitted to trench or cut; gutting; sharp.
  2. (archaic) Adapted for tearing into flesh.

Definitions regrouped for readability · CC BY-SA 4.0

IPA pronunciation

/ˈtɹɛntʃənt/

CMU Pronouncing Dictionary

Pronunciation varies by speaker and region. About these dictionary pronunciations.

In the pages of books

See this word in context.

I found their simple scale of honour was based mainly on the capacity for inflicting trenchant wounds.
H. G. (Herbert George) WellsThe island of Doctor MoreauProject Gutenberg ebook #159
My sister had a trenchant way of cutting our bread and butter for us, that never varied.
Charles DickensGreat ExpectationsProject Gutenberg ebook #1400
More book examples (3)
The great explorer was just from Pretoria, and had already as good as flayed President Krüger with his trenchant pen.
Joshua SlocumSailing Alone Around the WorldProject Gutenberg ebook #6317
A trenchant comparison is afforded by the motive for this Treaty Article, and the actual operation of other Articles which should support it.
Victor LefebureThe Riddle of the Rhine: Chemical Strategy in Peace and WarProject Gutenberg ebook #1272
He became a leader of the fruit-porters, represented the dockers on the London Trades Council, and wrote trenchant articles for the labour journals.
Jack LondonThe People of the AbyssProject Gutenberg ebook #1688