sarcastic

adjective

sär-ˈka-stik How to pronounce sarcastic (audio)
Definition of sarcasticnext
as in satirical
marked by the use of wit that is intended to cause hurt feelings her sarcastic comments that my singing reminded her of the time her dog was sick

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word sarcastic different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of sarcastic are ironic, sardonic, and satiric. While all these words mean "marked by bitterness and a power or will to cut or sting," sarcastic implies an intentional inflicting of pain by deriding, taunting, or ridiculing.

a critic known for his sarcastic remarks

When is it sensible to use ironic instead of sarcastic?

In some situations, the words ironic and sarcastic are roughly equivalent. However, ironic implies an attempt to be amusing or provocative by saying usually the opposite of what is meant.

made the ironic observation that the government could always be trusted

When would sardonic be a good substitute for sarcastic?

The meanings of sardonic and sarcastic largely overlap; however, sardonic implies scorn, mockery, or derision that is manifested by either verbal or facial expression.

surveyed the scene with a sardonic smile

In what contexts can satiric take the place of sarcastic?

While in some cases nearly identical to sarcastic, satiric implies that the intent of the ridiculing is censure and reprobation.

a satiric look at contemporary society

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of sarcastic His character is written as sharp-minded, witty, and sarcastic, according to the filmmakers. —Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 28 Feb. 2025 While Lucie is warm, vivacious, and a ray of light that shines off the page, Aiden is a grumpy, reluctant romantic who hides behind sarcastic quips. —Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 27 Feb. 2025 For instance, a sarcastic comment brushed off as a joke, or unspoken expectations that fuel resentment. —Mark Travers, Forbes, 24 Feb. 2025 Seinfeld is a Jewish man from New York’s Long Island with a wry and sarcastic sense of humor. —Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for sarcastic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sarcastic
  1. satiric
  2. acidic
  3. barbed
  4. acid
Adjective
  • That’s the premise of Douglas Is Cancelled, a cruelly funny 2024 BBC sitcom that seems very much in sync with satiric comedies such as The Office and W1A and Yes Minister.
    — Air Mail, Air Mail, 22 Mar. 2025
  • Misery, a horror movie with a satiric streak, launched Bates’s film stardom.
    — Tim Grierson, Vulture, 21 Feb. 2025
Definition of satiric
Adjective
  • Make sure the soil is well-drained and acidic with pH levels ranging between 4.5-6.0. Consider laying down mulch to help the plants retain more moisture.
    — Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 8 Apr. 2025
  • The warmer temperatures on the ocean surface are more acidic, which favors algae.
    — CNN.com Wire Service, Mercury News, 7 Apr. 2025
Definition of acidic
Adjective
  • They are usually laid out in vast fields ahead of defensive positions, marked with barbed wire and warning signs Such minefields slow down or halt an enemy assault.
    — David Hambling, Forbes.com, 3 Apr. 2025
  • An enemy then grabs the barbed wire with his bare hands — which already sounds like a bad idea, btw — only for the wire to shock him backward.
    — Dalton Ross, EW.com, 20 Mar. 2025
Definition of barbed
Adjective
  • Alice in Wonderland is the exception with a $1 billion global take, made with the acid stylings of Tim Burton and Johnny Depp when the latter was hot as hell in a pre-streaming 2010.
    — Anthony D'Alessandro, Deadline, 31 Mar. 2025
  • The company is a leading supplier of liquid and dry, acid and bicarbonate concentrates for dialysis patients in the United States.
    — Quartz Intelligence Newsroom, Quartz, 20 Mar. 2025
Definition of acid

Browse Nearby Words

sarcasms
sarcastic
sarcophagi
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Cite this Entry

“Sarcastic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sarcastic. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.

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