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 Reddit Reacts Commenters on Reddit were quick to chime in, with reactions ranging from sarcastic humor to more-serious advice. Lydia Patrick, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 June 2025 The exes share a son. 04 of 10 Amber Tamblyn as Tibby Rollins Amber Tamblyn portrayed Tibby, a rebellious and sarcastic aspiring filmmaker. Samantha Stutsman, People.com, 31 May 2025 His father, observing his children’s unconventional career choices, eventually developed his own sarcastic advice for parents. Omaid Homayun, Forbes.com, 24 June 2025 Idiotic rich boy Bertie Wooster gets himself into some kind of sticky situation with another rich idiot, and his quietly sarcastic, above-it-all, genius butler Jeeves inevitably gets him out of it. Brian Boone, Vulture, 18 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
  • Rowling frequently posts acidic commentary about trans people, and very rarely about the upcoming Harry Potter series (oddly enough, Rowling still publishes crime fiction under her male pseudonym, Robert Galbraith).
    Dani Di Placido, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
  • Rainfall leaches elements that impart alkalinity, such as magnesium and calcium, out of the soil, rendering it acidic.
    Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 28 June 2025
Adjective
  • The center was built in eight days and features more than 200 security cameras, 28,000-plus feet of barbed wire and 400 security personnel.
    arkansasonline.com, arkansasonline.com, 4 July 2025
  • Their prescription, Scaramucci warns, threatens to replace the American dream with a society where a small elite lives behind barbed wire in mansions, and ordinary people struggle for a decent living.
    Jeff John Roberts, Fortune, 2 July 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 15 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on sarcastic

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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