acute

acute 1 *sharp, keen

Analogous words: *incisive, trenchant, cutting: penetrating, piercing (see ENTER)

Antonyms: obtuse

Contrasted words: *dull, blunt: *stupid, slow, dull, crass, dense

2 Acute, critical, crucial.

Acute most commonly indicates intensification, sometimes rapid, of a situation demanding notice and showing signs of some definite resolution

{

intimately associated with Indian affairs was the pressing question of defense . . . Pontiac’s rebellion made the issue acute— Morison & Commager

}

{

when the food shortage became acute in New Haven, the junior class of Yale College was moved to Glastonbury— Amer. Guide Series: Conn.

}

Critical may describe an approach to a crisis or turning point and may imply an imminent outcome or resolution

{

the war has reached a new critical phase . . . we have moved into active and continuing battle— Roosevelt

}

{

the critical lack of rubber in the last war was finally beaten by the development of synthetic rubber plants capable of turning out 1,000,000 tons a year— Colliers Yr. Bk.

}

Crucial applies to an actual crisis situ

ation, often one viewed with fear, worry, or suspense, and implies a speedily ensuing decisive or definitive outcome

{

a continuous evolution, punctuated by the sudden flaming or flowering of a crucial moment now and then— Lowes

}

{

the next few months are crucial. What we do now will affect our American way of life for decades to come— Truman

}

Analogous words: culminating, climactic (see corresponding nouns at SUMMIT): *dangerous, hazardous, precarious, perilous: menacing, threatening (see THREATEN): intensified, aggravated (see INTENSIFY)