acerb
bitter, sharp, tart
Usage
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acerbic
If you take an acerbic tone with someone, you are criticizing them in a clever but critical and mean way.
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exacerbate
If something exacerbates a problem or bad situation, it makes it even worse.
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acerbity
a sharp bitterness
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exacerbation
action that makes a problem or a disease (or its symptoms) worse
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