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 Any suggestion users should beware connecting to one of the tens of millions of airport, hotel, mall and coffee shop hotspots will always spawn a tirade of sarcastic posts on social media. —Zak Doffman, Forbes.com, 17 July 2025 The person who wrote it was trying in a sarcastic way to distance Kansas City from the comments Butker made at a college graduation ceremony that some found offensive. —Mike Hendricks, Kansas City Star, 11 July 2025 The idyllic universe that Mafalda had lived in was falling apart; the fissures in Argentinean society had become too severe, too dangerous, and the time for making sarcastic cracks at those in power had passed. —Daniel Alarcón, New Yorker, 30 June 2025 His passion for all-things superhero has a giddy innocence to it even when his films are sarcastic or jokey. —Tim Grierson, Vulture, 11 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for sarcastic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sarcastic
  1. satiric
  2. acidic
  3. barbed
  4. acid
Adjective
  • The poem is part love quest, part account of Italy’s battles; in places profoundly serious, in places satiric.
    — The New Yorker, New Yorker, 11 June 2025
  • Neither damning nor satiric, W. is oddly wistful, almost regretful — rare sentiments in a Stone film.
    — Will Leitch, Vulture, 17 Feb. 2025
Definition of satiric
Adjective
  • In oxygen-rich soil, microbes thrive, contributing to decay, and acidic pH levels erode natural materials like leather.
    — Kameryn Griesser, CNN Money, 12 July 2025
  • The sharp, slightly sour sauce brought the fries back to life with an acidic, satisfying kick.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 10 July 2025
Definition of acidic
Adjective
  • Investigators learned that Zeng, during his alleged escape, threw clothing over a fence and climbed through barbed wire, Podgorski said.
    — Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 14 July 2025
  • This is the culmination of storylines, careers and blood feuds wrapped in a Lone Star barbed wire bow.
    — Jenny Catlin, New York Times, 12 July 2025
Definition of barbed
Adjective
  • From lo-fi hip-hop to chamber pop, from acid funk to orchestral rock, the fingerprints remain.
    — Philip Martin, Arkansas Online, 15 June 2025
  • The floors are done in chestnut-toned wood, with acid green carpets made from bamboo silk, while the VVIP suite has its own private sitting room.
    — Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 11 June 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 5 Aug. 2025.

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