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 This is not just a sarcastic take but a practical one. —Jaron Lanier, The New Yorker, 22 Mar. 2025 The painting’s story is simultaneously straightforward, deep, optimistic, pessimistic, sarcastic, timely, timeless, and insightful. —Chadd Scott, Forbes, 6 Mar. 2025 These behaviors may include: Making sarcastic or pointed remarks. —Mark Travers, Forbes, 14 Mar. 2025 His character is written as sharp-minded, witty, and sarcastic, according to the filmmakers. —Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 28 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
  • The season does pepper throughout a sense that Santos has a real heart under all that barbed wire.
    — Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 10 Apr. 2025
  • The base that this is based on now has a bunch of barbed wire and fencing.
    — Fred Topel, Deadline, 5 Apr. 2025
Definition of barbed
Adjective
  • The acid content of these foods irritates your child's skin, causing redness that can look like a rash.6 Viruses and Bacterial Infections Certain viral or bacterial infections may cause multiple symptoms around the mouth, including a rash.
    — Wendy Wisner, Health, 18 Apr. 2025
  • Roy Ayers, the jazz vibraphonist whose smooth fusion planted the seeds of acid jazz and neo soul, died Wednesday at the age of 84.
    — Stephen Thomas Erlewine, Rolling Stone, 6 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 24 Apr. 2025.

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