SARCASTIC Synonyms: 89 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

sarcastic

adjective

sär-ˈka-stik

Definition of sarcastic next

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

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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 According to the suit, the Times omitted an upside-down smiley-face emoji from one of Abel’s texts—part of a larger attempt, the suit claims—to misrepresent a sarcastic text as a serious one. —

Doreen St. Félix, The New Yorker, 13 Jan. 2025 That isn’t so bad when there’s so much sarcastic flirting between Kitsch and Gilpin, but there isn’t much surprise to it. —

Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 9 Jan. 2025 But Baldoni alleges that the Times ignored additional context in the same text exchange that indicates Nathan and Abel were joking and being sarcastic. —

Brian Welk, IndieWire, 31 Dec. 2024 Frustrated that people do not believe his consistent response to the same question, his tone grew sarcastic. —

Emmanuel Morgan, New York Times, 26 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for sarcastic

Recent Examples of Synonyms for sarcastic

Adjective

The tone, like the title, is satiric and pitch black.

— Andrew Silow-Carroll, Sun Sentinel, 30 Jan. 2025
Gad originated the role of Elder Cunningham alongside Andrew Rannells' Elder Price in a satiric look at two young missionaries' misguided attempts to spread the gospel in a small Ugandan village.

— Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 16 Jan. 2025