What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
acrid
Example
The acrid smell of smoke filled the room. [acrid: adjective]
Example
The acrid taste of the medicine made her gag. [acrid: adjective]
Example
His acrid comments left everyone feeling uncomfortable. [acrid: adjective]
bitter
Example
The bitter taste of the medicine lingered in her mouth. [bitter: adjective]
Example
She felt bitter towards her ex-husband after the divorce. [bitter: adjective]
Example
He spoke to her in a bitter tone, making her feel unwelcome. [bitter: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Bitter is more commonly used than acrid in everyday language. Bitter is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while acrid is less common and refers to specific situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between acrid and bitter?
Both acrid and bitter can be used in formal and informal contexts, but acrid may be more commonly used in technical or scientific writing due to its specificity to certain smells or tastes.
