Synonyms of sarcasm

sarcasm

noun

ˈsär-ˌka-zəm 

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• insult
• outrage
• indignity
• barb
• offense
• epithet
• slight
• slap
• affront
• slur
• personality
• dart
• name
• attack
• criticism
• brickbat
• poke
• put-down
• dis
• sneer
• disgrace
• invective
• taunt
• dig
• vituperation
• abuse
• quip
• shame
• disapproval
• gibe
• cut
• mock
• jeer
• gird
• opprobrium
• swipe
• torture
• catcall
• dishonor
• knock
• torment
• slam

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• compliment
• praise
• commendation
• applause
• flattery
• acclaim
• accolade
• adulation

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

Recent Examples of sarcasm

And the humor that surrounds Knicks Twitter—there’s a lot of sarcasm, a lot of humor that is distinctly New York. —Jordan Hoffman, Vanity Fair, 25 Dec. 2025

The tone in the thread fluctuated between sarcasm, support, and detailed technical advice as others jumped in to discuss the challenge of retrofitting a system like underfloor heating into an older structure. —Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Dec. 2025

Cleveland says narcissists often disguise sarcasm as humor, slipping in cutting remarks about your intelligence, competence, or appearance but framing them as playful. —Angela Haupt, Time, 30 Oct. 2025

While the track leans toward sarcasm, the soon-to-be-anthem perfectly captures a generational sentiment. —Jessica Roiz, Billboard, 17 Oct. 2025

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