Synonyms of sarcastic

sarcastic

adjective

sär-ˈka-stik 

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

• satirical
• satiric
• acidic
• barbed
• acid
• sardonic
• caustic
• acerbic
• biting
• cynical
• scathing
• ironical
• snarky
• ironic
• corrosive
• pungent
• mordant
• acrid
• sharp
• smart-aleck
• tart
• acidulous
• smart-alecky
• smart-mouthed
• harsh
• cutting
• blunt
• concise
• sour
• wry
• acerb
• flippant
• incisive
• scalding
• poignant
• facetious
• dry
• spiky
• trenchant
• brisk
• cross
• gruff
• severe
• vitriolic
• sharp-tongued
• curt
• tongue-in-cheek
• abrupt
• bitter
• brusque
• resentful
• keen
• pithy
• acrimonious
• spikey
• sourish
• terse
• succinct
• snippy
• stringent
• insincere
• backhanded
• tartish
• crisp
• rough
• brusk
• snippety

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• amusing
• playful
• mild
• merry
• gentle
• droll
• bland
• waggish
• diplomatic
• polite
• sportive
• smooth
• good-natured
• urbane
• gracious
• cordial
• hospitable
• good-humored
• affable
• genial
• sociable
• suave

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

Recent Examples of sarcastic

Seinfeld is a Jewish man from New York’s Long Island with a wry and sarcastic sense of humor. —Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Feb. 2025

Others lose a sense of trust by the sarcastic digs, eye rolls, interrupting, or belittling. —Rachel Glik, Contributor, CNBC, 4 Feb. 2025

Ally and Jay are both sarcastic, too — their best lines are muttered under their breaths — and their repartee becomes more interesting than the bloody theatrics. —Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 5 Feb. 2025

When Filip Hronek took a soft point shot that Darcy Kuemper stopped shortly after, the crowd responded with a sarcastic Bronx cheer. —Harman Dayal, The Athletic, 16 Jan. 2025