Synonym Chooser

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

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 sarcasm The video’s comment section is filled with sarcasm. Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 16 Sep. 2025 Some have been explicit in their ideological messaging, while others have engaged in the online practice of trolling, using sarcasm and deliberately confusing references that make their ideologies hard to interpret. Ben Goggin, NBC news, 12 Sep. 2025 Contempt often hides within sarcasm or ridicule. Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 7 Sep. 2025 Advertisement That theme, submerged beneath chaos and sarcasm, surfaces in these interludes. Jp Mangalindan, Time, 28 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for sarcasm
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sarcasm
Noun
  • Carter was sitting in her chair, listening to a lesson, when Octavius Johnson, a classmate who had a crush on her, started to fire off insults.
    Jeff Pearlman, Rolling Stone, 17 Oct. 2025
  • Politico counted 251 instances of derogatory insults in the group chat, interspersed with logistical conversations about social media strategies and collecting votes.
    Matthew Kelly, Kansas City Star, 15 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The footage sparked outrage and dismay across Israel.
    Itay Stern, NPR, 13 Oct. 2025
  • Swart also blamed major social-media platforms for monetizing outrage and accelerating polarization.
    Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 12 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Sarcasm.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sarcasm. Accessed 20 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on sarcasm

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