Definition of sarcasticnext

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 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 The department’s post drew skeptical and sarcastic reactions from commenters who wondered whether the missing $30 called for a public search. — Stephen Sorace, FOXNews.com, 23 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sarcastic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sarcastic
Adjective
  • No working of any system or joy gathered from an unprovable satirical angle.
    — Sean Joseph OutKick, FOXNews.com, 8 Oct. 2026
  • The case could become noteworthy precedent for social media companies that rely on targets’ intellectual property in attempting to offer critical or satirical commentary.
    — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 7 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • The Bongulo Paneer — cooked in bamboo — with a coconut and capsicum poriyal blends peanut chutney with acidic gongura sour cream and fiery gunpowder.
    — Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 2 Oct. 2026
  • Other novelists have turned to acidic, class-conscious portraits of the underemployed—see Andrew Martin and Halle Butler.
    — Ryan Chapman, Literary Hub, 30 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Attorneys for the country music icon’s estate claimed Seaver covered his front porch in barbed wire and yellow caution tape, thus delaying the formal delivery of the suit.
    — Allison DeGrushe, StyleCaster, 6 Oct. 2026
  • Their long, barbed tongues can easily wind into ant and termite homes, licking up the bugs inside.
    — Lauren Penington, Denver Post, 4 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Learning to season food, growing comfortable with adding salt—and ultimately acid, spice, and sweetness—according to your own preferences, is what home cooking is all about.
    — Chris Morocco, Bon Appetit Magazine, 26 Sep. 2026
  • The idea that these two would have a five-minute-or-less breakup conversation, then plop down on the couch and happily embark on an acid trip together, strains credulity a little, even for this bizarre, codependent friend group.
    — Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • But these anecdotes were leavened by her trademark sardonic humor.
    — Rodney Ho, AJC.com, 2 Oct. 2026
  • Though Iñárritu mined a fertile vein of sardonic humor in 2014’s Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance), comedy has never been this grandiose director’s forte.
    — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 29 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Sarcastic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sarcastic. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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