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 Uma is a neighbor in Arconia with a direct and sarcastic demeanor, similar to Virgos. Lisa Stardust, People.com, 9 Sep. 2025 Even an otherwise neutral comment can be contorted into a sarcastic retort, an insult or a counterattack. Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 7 Sep. 2025 Althoff’s sarcastic deadpan humor, beguiling personality and awkward line of questioning led her to interviews with Drake, Tyga, Lil Yachty, Rubi Rose, Nick Cannon and Mark Cuban. Michael Saponara, Billboard, 22 Aug. 2025 Since then, however, life's been a challenge for the title character of BoJack Horseman, voiced to sarcastic, self-destructive perfection by Will Arnett. Tanya Melendez, EW.com, 16 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for sarcastic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sarcastic
Adjective
  • And the show has to be satirical.
    Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 28 Sep. 2025
  • Kuang's latest is a satirical look at the brutal nature of academia.
    Carly Tagen-Dye, PEOPLE, 27 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • One way is when iron-rich rock is exposed to high temperatures and acidic conditions, but neither are evident in the area around Cheyava Falls.
    Keith Cooper, Space.com, 1 Oct. 2025
  • That occurs when the body runs out of insulin and starts burning fat for fuel, which can lead the blood to become dangerously acidic.
    Jonathan Lambert, NPR, 29 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The pair have traded many barbed comments since Khan was elected to lead London in 2016 — Khan strongly criticized the president the same year for pledging a travel ban on a number of majority-Muslim countries, which was enacted in 2017.
    Patrick Smith, NBC news, 24 Sep. 2025
  • Protests outside the Broadview facility continued midday Friday, with a handful of demonstrators holding up signs and cellphones toward a fence topped with barbed wire, video from the scene shows.
    Alisha Ebrahimji, CNN Money, 19 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Drinking coffee may stimulate an increase in acid production in the stomach.
    Carrie Madormo, Verywell Health, 6 Sep. 2025
  • This touchscreen pod machine has a lot to offer, including rich, balanced, coffee; a whopping eight brewing sizes; one-touch presets for low-acid, Americano, iced coffee, and cold brew; plus customizable temperature control and brew strength.
    Mark Marino, Bon Appetit Magazine, 29 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Sarcastic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sarcastic. Accessed 2 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on sarcastic

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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