Synonyms of sarcastic

sarcastic

adjective

sär-ˈka-stik 

as in satiric

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

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

This hampers several of my favorite performances, especially Harper, whose Ben is full of sarcastic indignation, and June Laporte as Ginny, an aspiring reporter in need of proper mentoring. — Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 19 Sep. 2026

The sarcastic Chandler Bing (Matthew Perry) and affable actor Joey Tribbiani (Matt LeBlanc) are among her favorite characters. — Mack Degeurin, Popular Science, 9 Sep. 2026

There was always a sarcastic comment, and that is exactly how my brain works. — Kalia Richardson, USA Today, 5 Sep. 2026

Roberts corrected himself after an impressive dive from Komander, who received a loud, sarcastic pop. — Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026