(ˈ)in|sīs]iv, ənˈsī-, ]ēv also ]əv sometimes -īz] adjective
Etymology: Medieval Latin incisivus, from Latin incisus + -ivus -ive
1. : having a cutting edge or piercing point : facilitating cutting or piercing
as sharp and incisive as the stroke of a fang — T.B.Costain
2. : marked by sharpness and penetration especially in keen clear unmistakable resolution of matter at issue or in pointed decisive effectiveness of presentation
the clear, incisive genius which could state in a flash the exact point at issue — A.N.Whitehead
the … incisive irony … serves to put the literary crackpots in their proper place — S.C.Chew
3. : of, relating to, or situated near the incisors
Synonyms:
clear-cut , crisp , trenchant , cutting , biting : incisive indicates a keen penetration and sharp presentation that is effective or decisive
Bismarck's will had not that incisive, rapier quality, that quality of highly tempered steel — flexible, unbreakable, of mortal effect, decisive, a sword — which had Richelieu's — Hilaire Belloc
clear-cut indicates either unmistakably clear and lucid outlining, analysis, or presentation, or finite certainty defying disbelief or question
this clear-cut and consistent political creed is set forth throughout with the lucidity and brevity that makes a first-class popular orator — Times Literary Supplement
the current decision … was neither clear-cut nor definite … it appeared to be an attempted compromise — New York Times
crisp in this series has a variety of suggestions: keenness, freshness, clarity, animation, terseness, vigor, sureness, effectiveness
a languorous work … with occasional interludes of crisp brilliance — Anthony West
crisp epigrams — George Santayana
trenchant suggests sharp penetrating acuteness often in criticism or detraction and may suggest sarcastic asperity
a trenchant critic of the rising capitalism, delighting in exposing the fallacies of the new economics and in pricking the bladders of political reputations — V.L.Parrington
cutting and biting apply to sharp sarcasm, ridicule, or detraction; the former may suggest a tendency to wound by penetrating acuteness, the latter a mordant, implacable harshness
the cutting sarcasm … the cruel epigrams and occasional harsh witticisms — Jack London
domineering and censorious of any that stood in his way, with a biting wit, although he mellowed somewhat as he grew older — T.D.Bacon