astringent
sharp or tightening in taste or tone
Roots
- ad- / a-: to, toward, added onto, or intensified
- string / strict: draw tight or bind
Other words with the string / strict root
Astringent taste makes the mouth tighten; astringent criticism does the same to the mood.
Her astringent review was fair, but every sentence left the author wincing.
Taste the dry tightening in the mouth, then move that feeling into tone. Astringent criticism is sharp, tightening, and not soft.