sarcasm

noun

ˈsär-ˌka-zəm How to pronounce sarcasm (audio)
Definition of sarcasmnext
as in insult
an act or expression showing scorn and usually intended to hurt another's feelings I know you're not happy, but there's no need to resort to petty sarcasms to make your point

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 sarcasm Having taken in her brother’s shocking news, Mahsa shifts from stunned sarcasm to profound sympathy and probing philosophical dialogue. — Sheri Linden, HollywoodReporter, 11 Sep. 2026 Gellerbrant said her posts were taken out of context and were meant as irony and sarcasm. — ABC News, 11 Sep. 2026 The other presidents had some semblance of comedic appreciation, whether through cynicism, irony, sarcasm, joke-telling, joke appreciation or storytelling. — John Blumenthal, Chicago Tribune, 16 Aug. 2026 Like all of Roth’s content, there is a mix of dead seriousness, dry sarcasm, and wondrous joy in equal measure. — Marisa Meltzer, Vanity Fair, 12 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sarcasm
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sarcasm
  1. insult
  2. outrage
Noun
  • But the Rodriguez and other members of the Cuban delegation began banging the desks, calling for a point of order and shouting insults at Waltz.
    — Nora Gámez Torres, Miami Herald, 27 Oct. 2026
  • The examination showed that Parker and Smith had exchanged dozens of texts, which include obscenities and insults, in the days before Parker's disappearance.
    — News Editor, CBS News, 27 Oct. 2026
Definition of insult
Noun
  • The attack sparked outrage in Israel, with Netanyahu traveling to the attack site and vowing to respond forcefully.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 26 Oct. 2026
  • The housing protests gathered pace last month, fueled by outrage over the eviction of an 87-year-old woman from her home of seven decades in downtown Madrid.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 25 Oct. 2026
Definition of outrage

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saps
sarcasm
sarcasms
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Cite this Entry

“Sarcasm.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sarcasm. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on sarcasm

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about sarcasm

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