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Definitions

double-edged

[duhb-uhl-ejd] / ˈdʌb əlˈɛdʒd /
ADJECTIVE
backhanded
Synonyms
STRONGEST
sarcastic
WEAK
ambiguous equivocal sardonic two-edged
ADJECTIVE
ironic
Synonyms
STRONGEST
arrogant caustic incongruous mocking paradoxical ridiculous sardonic satiric satirical twisted unexpected wry
WEAK
acrid alert backbiting biting bitter burlesque chaffing clever contemptuous contradictory critical cutting cynical defiant derisive disparaging exaggerated implausible incisive ironical jibing keen mordant pungent quick-witted scathing scoffing sharp sneering spicy trenchant uncomplimentary witty
Antonyms
STRONGEST
straight
WEAK
sincere
ADJECTIVE
ironic/ironical
Synonyms
WEAK
acrid alert arrogant backbiting biting bitter burlesque caustic chaffing clever contemptuous contradictory critical cutting cynical defiant derisive disparaging exaggerated implausible incisive incongruous jibing keen mocking mordant paradoxical pungent quick-witted ridiculous sardonic satiric satirical scathing scoffing sharp sneering spicy trenchant twisted uncomplimentary witty wry
Antonyms
WEAK
considerate deferential
ADJECTIVE
sharp
Synonyms
STRONGEST
biting caustic harsh incisive pointed scathing severe stinging
STRONG
cutting short tart
WEAK
acrimonious angry barbed inconsiderate penetrating peppery piercing pungent sarcastic sardonic stabbing thoughtless trenchant unceremonious ungracious virulent vitriolic
Antonyms
STRONGEST
gentle kind mild nice soothing
WEAK
benevolent

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

A significant chunk of recent growth has been driven by healthcare spending from an aging population, a trend he described as a double-edged sword.

From Barron's • Mar. 31, 2026

Gellar wields a double-edged sword: “Buffy” helped shape the landscape of modern TV, but it’s because the show was and is so popular that the role sticks to her no matter where she goes.

From Salon • Mar. 26, 2026

AI enters a culture already sliced and diced by the double-edged sword of digital technology.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 26, 2026

Strategic ambiguity, if that’s what this is, can be a double-edged sword.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 10, 2026

In all jazz, and especially in the blues, there is something tart and ironic, authoritative and double-edged.

From "The Fire Next Time" by James Baldwin