Synonyms of sarcastic

sarcastic

adjective

sär-ˈka-stik 

as in satiric

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

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

The department’s post drew skeptical and sarcastic reactions from commenters who wondered whether the missing $30 called for a public search. — Stephen Sorace, FOXNews.com, 23 Aug. 2026

Our second president, John Adams, was said to have had a sarcastic demeanor and made biting remarks about his contemporaries. — John Blumenthal, Chicago Tribune, 16 Aug. 2026

Meanwhile, Rogen and Nanjiani manage to steal multiple scenes as the voices of the ladies’ cats Dio and GG, two sarcastic felines who are fed up with their burnout owners. — Glenn Garner, Deadline, 12 Aug. 2026

This was Perez Hilton, after all, a man who had earned fame in the mid-two-thousands for his salacious, sarcastic, and often sadistic coverage of celebrity suffering. — Brady Brickner-Wood, New Yorker, 12 Aug. 2026