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 Steel’s sarcastic remarks and suggestions that the former assistant is lying to the court bordered on harassment, Comey argued; Subramanian disagreed with this suggestion but did concede that Steel’s questions had become argumentative and cumulative. Kevin Dolak, HollywoodReporter, 2 June 2025 Some of that comes down to the casting of Matthew Goode as the miserable, perpetually sarcastic Carl. Nina Metz Chicago Tribune, Boston Herald, 1 June 2025 Practically speaking, Pegasus is intelligent and resourceful, sarcastic and strong-minded, with a sharp personality and a quick wit. Ew Staff, EW.com, 27 May 2025 Still, Ernst shared a sarcastic apology video after facing criticism from Democrats over her response to the town hall attendees' concerns. Savannah Kuchar, USA Today, 2 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for sarcastic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sarcastic
Adjective
  • The poem is part love quest, part account of Italy’s battles; in places profoundly serious, in places satiric.
    The New Yorker, New Yorker, 11 June 2025
  • Neither damning nor satiric, W. is oddly wistful, almost regretful — rare sentiments in a Stone film.
    Will Leitch, Vulture, 17 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • The finish is bright, pleasantly acidic, and long lasting.
    Mike DeSimone, Robb Report, 12 June 2025
  • The finished dish is bright, acidic, and perfectly seasoned.
    Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 June 2025
Adjective
  • The group of inmates escaped by yanking open a faulty cell door, removing a toilet, crawling through a hole in the wall behind it and scaling a barbed wire fence in the early morning hours.
    CBS News, CBS News, 27 June 2025
  • Louisiana Attorney General's Office via AP The group of inmates escaped by yanking open a faulty cell door, removing a toilet, crawling through a hole and scaling a barbed wire fence in the early morning hours when a lone guard left to get food.
    CBS News, CBS News, 9 June 2025
Adjective
  • The floors are done in chestnut-toned wood, with acid green carpets made from bamboo silk, while the VVIP suite has its own private sitting room.
    Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 11 June 2025
  • Fluoride also replaces minerals lost from teeth due to acid breakdown, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
    Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 3 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Sarcastic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sarcastic. Accessed 3 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on sarcastic

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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