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 If anything, her sarcastic, morbid comments, as well as those of most of the other characters (apart from poor, dear Pugsley), can be considered almost inspiring. Tom Gliatto, PEOPLE, 3 Sep. 2025 Althoff’s sarcastic deadpan humor, beguiling personality and awkward line of questioning led her to interviews with Drake, Tyga, Lil Yachty, Rubi Rose, Nick Cannon and Mark Cuban. Michael Saponara, Billboard, 22 Aug. 2025 Since then, however, life's been a challenge for the title character of BoJack Horseman, voiced to sarcastic, self-destructive perfection by Will Arnett. Tanya Melendez, EW.com, 16 Aug. 2025 Training data can also include more subtle issues, like sarcastic advice or purposefully misleading advice. IEEE Spectrum, 1 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for sarcastic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sarcastic
Adjective
  • Mugs and satirical commemorative plates are some of the items that can be seen on display in a local gift shop.
    Callum Sutherland, Time, 16 Sep. 2025
  • The 2025 South Korean satirical black comedy thriller is co-written, produced and directed by Park Chan-wook (Decision To Leave, Old Boy, The Handmaiden).
    Joan MacDonald, Forbes.com, 14 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Rainwater reacts with carbon dioxide in the air and becomes slightly acidic, wearing away at rock exposed on the Earth’s surface.
    Peter Brannen, Quanta Magazine, 15 Sep. 2025
  • Producing such minerals in a lifeless place would probably require acidic conditions or high temperatures—and the area showed signs of neither.
    David W. Brown, New Yorker, 13 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Only those working at the listening station (kept separate from the rest of the compound with barbed wire and a guard shack) knew what was really going on.
    A.K. Whitney, Oc Register, 9 Sep. 2025
  • Thailand says the barbed wire was set up to prevent the planting of mines and is on its own land.
    Matthew Tostevin, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • This touchscreen pod machine has a lot to offer, including rich, balanced, coffee; a whopping eight brewing sizes; one-touch presets for low-acid, Americano, iced coffee, and cold brew; plus customizable temperature control and brew strength.
    Mark Marino, Bon Appetit Magazine, 29 Aug. 2025
  • How does the new silver extraction method work The technology, known as Jet Electrochemical Silver Extraction (JESE), uses a fine stream of weak acid to dissolve silver directly from the panel surface in seconds—the acid stream targets only the silver, leaving everything else untouched.
    Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 15 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Sarcastic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sarcastic. Accessed 17 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on sarcastic

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