Synonyms of sarcastic

sarcastic

adjective

sär-ˈka-stik 

as in satirical

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

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

But Gen Z often uses it not as a show of support, but as sarcastic emphasis. —Dr. Diane Hamilton, Forbes.com, 3 July 2025

Who exactly is this gruff, sarcastic, but seemingly harmless boy who has returned to their hometown of Five Fingers, Michigan, after three mysterious years away? —Kaycee Sloan, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025

And as trade speculation has risen, Harris reported a sarcastic one-word retort from the pitcher. —Peter Chawaga, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 July 2025

Before Black millennial shorthand even existed, there was Maxine Shaw, Attorney at Law—fiercely ambitious, sarcastic, soft in all the right places—and unapologetically Black. —Shelby Stewart, Essence, 22 July 2025