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 first half was littered with increasingly ridiculous highlights: a lefty hook over Isaiah Hartenstein, a potpourri of 3s with hands in his face, a sarcastic stare-down after his defender tried taking a charge, followed by a pass to himself off the backboard to simplify the finish. —Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 13 May 2025 Thunderbolts*’s unlikely union of MCU loners and rejects received the titular nickname when Alexei misinterprets John Walker’s (Wyatt Russell) sarcastic reference to Yelena’s youth soccer team. —Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 5 May 2025 More than three decades after the sitcom premiered, fans continue to quote the characters, particularly the sarcastic Bing, and snap up merchandise such as vinyl figures, shirts, and coffee mugs. —Raechal Shewfelt, EW.com, 3 May 2025 Green’s teammate, Moses Moody, gave a sarcastic response to Brooks’ assertion. —Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 25 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for sarcastic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sarcastic
  1. satiric
  2. acidic
  3. barbed
  4. acid
Adjective
  • Neither damning nor satiric, W. is oddly wistful, almost regretful — rare sentiments in a Stone film.
    — Will Leitch, Vulture, 17 Feb. 2025
  • All Systems Red is a legible introduction to Wells’ hyper-capitalist, playfully satiric galaxy.
    — Rory Doherty, Time, 16 May 2025
Definition of satiric
Adjective
  • The way the soil responds will give you an idea of whether your soil is acidic, alkaline, or neutral.
    — Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 May 2025
  • The acidic soil at Sutton Hoo, which rotted away the wood of the Anglo-Saxon ship and only left impressions of planks and rows of iron rivets, means that many of the bone combs previously found at Sutton Hoo have not been well-preserved, Howarth said.
    — Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 24 May 2025
Definition of acidic
Adjective
  • The other eight prisoners who escaped from their cell and hopped the barbed wire fence to freedom have all been recaptured.
    — Peter D'Abrosca, FOXNews.com, 29 May 2025
  • Sneakers hang by their laces from barbed wire, dangling above two motorbikes.
    — Stephanie Yang, Los Angeles Times, 27 May 2025
Definition of barbed
Adjective
  • Azaleas do like an acid soil and grow best when the soil acidity is in the pH range of 4.5 to 5.5.
    — Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 24 May 2025
  • Fluoride also replaces minerals lost from teeth due to acid breakdown, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
    — Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 15 May 2025
Definition of acid

Browse Nearby Words

sarcasms
sarcastic
sarcophagi
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Sarcastic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sarcastic. Accessed 7 Jun. 2025.

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