Definition of sarcasticnext

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 Jodie Sweetin, who played the sarcastic middle child Stephanie Tanner across the series' eight-season run, recently looked back on the sitcom's original pilot, which featured a different actor in the role of kindly Tanner family patriarch Danny. Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 29 June 2026 Conversely, Charles Johnson expressed irate objections, and Renato Moicano offered sarcastic remarks. Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 23 June 2026 Leave it to Perry's Chandler Bing to deliver a sarcastic remark or punch line. Grace Gavilanes, PEOPLE, 18 June 2026 There were the polite claps after good attacks by the Swiss, sarcastic whistles by the Qatari fans after their team again failed to mount a threat. Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 13 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for sarcastic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sarcastic
Adjective
  • Supporters embraced the insult as a badge of resistance, turning it into a satirical political campaign that amassed more than 21 million Instagram followers in a few days.
    Aijaz Hussain, Los Angeles Times, 19 July 2026
  • Supporters embraced the insult as a badge of resilience, turning it into a satirical political campaign that amassed more than 21 million Instagram followers in a few days.
    ABC News, ABC News, 18 July 2026
Adjective
  • How To Care For Onions In Pots Onions prefer well-draining, loamy, and slightly acidic to neutral soil, such as potting soil with compost mixed in.
    Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 22 July 2026
  • The way the soil responds will give you an idea of whether your soil is acidic, alkaline, or neutral.
    Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 July 2026
Adjective
  • The confrontation between father and daughter, in which Taylor-Joy unloads Lucky’s resentments about growing up in the life, is one of the season’s most barbed moments.
    Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 15 July 2026
  • But his view of Adrian’s methods, goals, and way of life end up making the bond of mentorship both tenuous and barbed.
    Richard Brody, New Yorker, 10 July 2026
Adjective
  • There was an acid trip of a halftime show starring Madonna, Justin Bieber, BTS, and Shakira.
    Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 22 July 2026
  • Lithium-ion, lead-acid, sodium-ion and other technologies all have a role to play in the electrification landscape.
    Darren Tan, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026
Adjective
  • The Leeds quartet built a reputation on sardonic observations about modern life, packaging political unease inside wiry post-punk.
    Sophie Miller, Rolling Stone, 19 July 2026
  • Unlike more overtly depressive takes on this role, Bos’ Hamlet is impetuous and sardonic, often bounding up three stairs in a single step and unspooling his words, words, words as if his mouth can’t keep up with his restless mind.
    Emily McClanathan, Chicago Tribune, 9 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Sarcastic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sarcastic. Accessed 26 Jul. 2026.

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