What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
acrid
Example
The acrid smoke from the fire made it difficult to breathe. [acrid: adjective]
Example
She spoke in an acrid tone, making everyone uncomfortable. [acrid: adjective]
Example
The acrid smell of bleach filled the room. [acrid: adjective]
astringent
Example
The astringent taste of green tea can take some getting used to. [astringent: adjective]
Example
An astringent lotion can help reduce oiliness on the skin. [astringent: noun]
Example
The astringent flavor of cranberries pairs well with turkey. [astringent: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Acrid is less common than astringent in everyday language. Acrid is often used in specific contexts, such as describing chemical odors or fumes, while astringent is more versatile and can be used in a wider range of contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between acrid and astringent?
Both acrid and astringent are formal words that are typically used in more technical or scientific contexts. However, astringent can also be used in more casual or everyday language to describe taste or food pairings.
