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 sarcasm stung almost daily, but the winning followed weekly. —Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 22 Jan. 2026 Ken Marino brings his signature goofball sarcasm to Vinnie Van Lowe, a sleazy rival sleuth whose morals are as low as his sense of humor. —Sezin Koehler, Entertainment Weekly, 15 Jan. 2026 Zohran Mamdani’s genial grin would have seemed unsustainably mild in the angry eighties, when Koch’s sarcasm fenced with Giuliani’s snarl, occasionally relieved by Mario Cuomo’s solemnity. —Adam Gopnik, New Yorker, 12 Jan. 2026 And the humor that surrounds Knicks Twitter—there’s a lot of sarcasm, a lot of humor that is distinctly New York. —Jordan Hoffman, Vanity Fair, 25 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for sarcasm
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sarcasm
  1. insult
  2. outrage
Noun
  • The final insult from State Farm came just hours after Karen Powers died, early on the morning of August 2, 2023.
    — J.C. Hallman, Oklahoman, 10 Feb. 2026
  • In an appearance on Fox News, the Trump-supporting singer bashed the choice of Bunny, saying the performance was an insult to the MAGA movement.
    — Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 10 Feb. 2026
Definition of insult
Noun
  • Ramos and his father, Adrian Alexander Conejo Arias, were taken from their snowy suburban Minneapolis driveway last month to a family detention center in Dilley, Texas, sparking widespread outrage.
    — Ray Sanchez, CNN Money, 8 Feb. 2026
  • In recent weeks, Republicans around the country responded to public outrage after federal agents killed a Minnesota nurse.
    — Idaho Statesman, Idaho Statesman, 7 Feb. 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 14 Feb. 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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