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

Examples 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 Others rocked up in hazmat suits in a sarcastic swipe at China’s stringent Covid control measures, which saw Shanghai locked down for roughly two months and sparked rare protests. —

Chris Lau, CNN, 29 Oct. 2024 The sentiment is respectable — gun violence is bad — but the song’s satire feels half-baked because Martin just doesn’t have the sarcastic sensibility needed. —

Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 8 Oct. 2024 The statues come on the heels of the installation of a sarcastic statue dedicated to Jan. 6, 2021, insurrectionists, which was unveiled in front of the Capitol last week. —

Juliann Ventura, The Hill, 31 Oct. 2024 All this to say, Mo-eum is using this famous expression in a sarcastic way to imply that Seok-ryu is admitting her fault in the hopes that Mo-eum might go easy on her. 6. —

Regina Kim, Forbes, 7 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for sarcastic

Recent Examples of Synonyms for sarcastic

Adjective

The show isn't satiric so much as amused by the absurd lengths to which the Kaylas of our society will go in pursuit of self-definition.

Tom Gliatto, People.com, 10 Dec. 2024
Mann at his most satiric has Settembrini contributing an essay to a multivolume project whose purpose is to end suffering.

George Packer, The Atlantic, 5 Nov. 2024