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.

The highly diversified business model of Google also acts as a double-edged sword for ad growth.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 13, 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

"It's a double-edged sword," said Sibylle Treiblmaier, outside the house in the town of Braunau am Inn on the border with Germany.

From Barron's • Feb. 21, 2026

Thus did the economics of Big Science create a double-edged sword.

From "Big Science" by Michael Hiltzik

double-edged

Example Sentences

Related Words