SARCASM Synonyms: 53 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the noun 'sarcasm' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of sarcasm are humor , irony , repartee , satire , and wit . While all these words mean "a mode of expression intended to arouse amusement," sarcasm applies to expression frequently in the form of irony that is intended to cut or wound. // given to heartless sarcasm

Q: When might 'humor' be a better fit than 'sarcasm'?

The words humor and sarcasm are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, humor implies an ability to perceive the ludicrous, the comical, and the absurd in human life and to express these usually without bitterness. // a sense of humor

Q: When can 'irony' be used instead of 'sarcasm'?

While in some cases nearly identical to sarcasm , irony applies to a manner of expression in which the intended meaning is the opposite of what is seemingly expressed. // the irony of the title

Q: In what contexts can 'repartee' take the place of 'sarcasm'?

While the synonyms repartee and sarcasm are close in meaning, repartee implies the power of answering quickly, pointedly, or wittily. // a dinner guest noted for repartee

Q: When is 'satire' a more appropriate choice than 'sarcasm'?

In some situations, the words satire and sarcasm are roughly equivalent. However, satire applies to writing that exposes or ridicules conduct, doctrines, or institutions either by direct criticism or more often through irony, parody, or caricature. // a satire on the Congress

Q: When would 'wit' be a good substitute for 'sarcasm'?

The meanings of wit and sarcasm largely overlap; however, wit suggests the power to evoke laughter by remarks showing verbal felicity or ingenuity and swift perception especially of the incongruous. // a playful wit

sarcasm

noun

ˈsär-ˌka-zəm

Definition of sarcasm next

as in insult

an act or expression showing scorn and usually intended to hurt another's feelings I know you're not happy, but there's no need to resort to petty sarcasms to make your point

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How does the noun sarcasm differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of sarcasm are humor, irony, repartee, satire, and wit. While all these words mean "a mode of expression intended to arouse amusement," sarcasm applies to expression frequently in the form of irony that is intended to cut or wound.

given to heartless sarcasm

When might humor be a better fit than sarcasm?

The words humor and sarcasm are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, humor implies an ability to perceive the ludicrous, the comical, and the absurd in human life and to express these usually without bitterness.

a sense of humor

When can irony be used instead of sarcasm?

While in some cases nearly identical to sarcasm, irony applies to a manner of expression in which the intended meaning is the opposite of what is seemingly expressed.

the irony of the title

In what contexts can repartee take the place of sarcasm?

While the synonyms repartee and sarcasm are close in meaning, repartee implies the power of answering quickly, pointedly, or wittily.

a dinner guest noted for repartee

When is satire a more appropriate choice than sarcasm?

In some situations, the words satire and sarcasm are roughly equivalent. However, satire applies to writing that exposes or ridicules conduct, doctrines, or institutions either by direct criticism or more often through irony, parody, or caricature.

a satire on the Congress

When would wit be a good substitute for sarcasm?

The meanings of wit and sarcasm largely overlap; however, wit suggests the power to evoke laughter by remarks showing verbal felicity or ingenuity and swift perception especially of the incongruous.

a playful wit

Examples of sarcasm in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Attempts to eke out strongly negative reactions from the AI are typically unsuccessful, with the bots avoiding personal attacks even when users maximize settings for trolling and sarcasm. —

Benj Edwards, Ars Technica, 18 Sep. 2024 That same chatbot must also be able to adapt to language preferences or even detect sarcasm or tone. —

Kurt Weinsheimer, Forbes, 17 Sep. 2024 For the past nine years, America and the world have become well acquainted with the machine: Trump’s strong rhetoric, his mean tweets, his combativeness, his insults and sarcasm. —

Matthew Continetti, National Review, 20 July 2024 Putin and other members of his Kremlin circle have often responded to Western accusations of misinformation and espionage with sarcasm. —

Dan Morrison, USA TODAY, 5 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for sarcasm

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'sarcasm.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.