sarcasm

noun

ˈsär-ˌka-zəm How to pronounce sarcasm (audio)
Definition of sarcasmnext
as in insult
an act or expression showing scorn and usually intended to hurt another's feelings I know you're not happy, but there's no need to resort to petty sarcasms to make your point

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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How does the noun sarcasm differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of sarcasm are humor, irony, repartee, satire, and wit. While all these words mean "a mode of expression intended to arouse amusement," sarcasm applies to expression frequently in the form of irony that is intended to cut or wound.

given to heartless sarcasm

When might humor be a better fit than sarcasm?

The words humor and sarcasm are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, humor implies an ability to perceive the ludicrous, the comical, and the absurd in human life and to express these usually without bitterness.

a sense of humor

When can irony be used instead of sarcasm?

While in some cases nearly identical to sarcasm, irony applies to a manner of expression in which the intended meaning is the opposite of what is seemingly expressed.

the irony of the title

In what contexts can repartee take the place of sarcasm?

While the synonyms repartee and sarcasm are close in meaning, repartee implies the power of answering quickly, pointedly, or wittily.

a dinner guest noted for repartee

When is satire a more appropriate choice than sarcasm?

In some situations, the words satire and sarcasm are roughly equivalent. However, satire applies to writing that exposes or ridicules conduct, doctrines, or institutions either by direct criticism or more often through irony, parody, or caricature.

a satire on the Congress

When would wit be a good substitute for sarcasm?

The meanings of wit and sarcasm largely overlap; however, wit suggests the power to evoke laughter by remarks showing verbal felicity or ingenuity and swift perception especially of the incongruous.

a playful wit

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 sarcasm His answer came with a side helping of sarcasm. —John C. Moritz, Austin American Statesman, 19 Mar. 2026 Harrison Ford was honored with the SAG-AFTRA Life Achievement Award, a prize presented with warm sarcasm by Woody Harrelson. —Jake Coyle, Chicago Tribune, 7 Mar. 2026 First seen at a night-club table of menacing lowlifes, Ida, whose mother tongue is Brooklynese, suddenly switches to a heavy British accent and dispenses a torrent of highly literary sarcasms. —Richard Brody, New Yorker, 4 Mar. 2026 And normally, that kind of cynicism and sarcasm would be celebrated here. —Zach Harper, New York Times, 3 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sarcasm
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sarcasm
  1. insult
  2. outrage
Noun
  • Laughs and insults, all expressed at a high volume, were guaranteed to follow.
    — Chris Perkins, Sun Sentinel, 31 Mar. 2026
  • The fan repeatedly shouted insults at Punk while pledging allegiance to Reigns.
    — Andrew Ravens‎, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2026
Definition of insult
Noun
  • The outrage was loud enough that, the following day, the Wizards released an apology.
    — Louisa Thomas, New Yorker, 5 Apr. 2026
  • In Carlsbad, an 11-year-old Black girl was physically assaulted in an incident that sparked community outrage.
    — Fabienne Perlov, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Apr. 2026
Definition of outrage

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Cite this Entry

“Sarcasm.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sarcasm. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on sarcasm

Nglish: Translation of sarcasm for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about sarcasm

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