acidulous

adjective

acid·​u·​lous ə-ˈsi-jə-ləs How to pronounce acidulous (audio)
Synonyms of acidulousnext
: somewhat acid or harsh in taste or manner

Synonyms

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Examples of acidulous in a Sentence

a slightly acidulous drink that is far more refreshing than the overly sweet iced tea that is also available a gently acidulous writing style that never becomes annoying
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Six days a week, its chirpy, acidulous anchors expose the shortcomings of cabinet ministers and their opposition shadows. — Dominic Green, WSJ, 11 Nov. 2022 Ray collaborated with the cinematographer Harry Stradling to create a screeching, acidulous palette of yellows, reds, and greens that stand out all the more against Ray’s calculated array of black-and-white outfits. — Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 30 Aug. 2022

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Latin acidulus "slightly sour," from acidus "sour" + -ulus, attenuating suffix — more at acid entry 2

First Known Use

1674, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of acidulous was in 1674

Browse Nearby Words

acidulent
acidulous
acid value
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Cite this Entry

“Acidulous.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/acidulous. Accessed 15 May. 2025.

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Medical Definition

acidulous

adjective
acid·​u·​lous ə-ˈsij-ə-ləs How to pronounce acidulous (audio)
: somewhat acid to the taste
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