SARCASTIC Synonyms: 89 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

sarcastic

adjective

sär-ˈka-stik

Definition of sarcastic

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

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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 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 See All Example Sentences for sarcastic

Recent Examples of Synonyms for sarcastic

Adjective

In his essay, Baron Cohen says that’s the point, because the character is a satirical figure designed to expose prejudice.

— K.J. Yossman, Variety, 20 Oct. 2026
Riehle played Tom Smykowski, a cynical Initech product manager, in Mike Judge’s 1999 satirical comedy Office Space, sharing credits with Ron Livingston, Jennifer Aniston, Stephen Root and Gary Cole.

— Armando Tinoco, Deadline, 19 Oct. 2026

Definition of satiric

Adjective

With blistering satirical slants and a steady mix of acidic jabs at middle-class life, Darko should be boffo among the teen and young adults segment as well as those viewers still plugged into a sophomoric self-identity.

— Duane Byrge, HollywoodReporter, 26 Oct. 2026
Rice vinegar is acidic and tart, with little natural sweetness.

— Bon Appétit, Bon Appetit Magazine, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of acidic

Adjective

Palestinian activist Eid Hatlin said barbed wire in the yard was placed by settlers.

— Daniel Estrin, NPR, 25 Oct. 2026
Meanwhile, North Korea has been adding mines, barbed wire fences, tactical roads, anti-tank walls and other fortifications to what's already one of the world's most heavily armed borders.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of barbed

Adjective

Whatever your pleasure, there’s no wrong way to take an acid trip.

— Emily Saladino, Bon Appetit Magazine, 19 Oct. 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

Definition of acid

Adjective

Where Thomas is aloof and proud, Erika is prickly and sardonic, excellent tools for protecting a surprisingly fragile heart.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026
Watch On In this Canadian cult classic that doubles as a coming-of-age story, a sardonic goth transforms into a werewolf in the days leading up to Halloween and terrifies her younger sister.

— David Faris, TheWeek, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of sardonic

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sarcastic

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“Sarcastic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sarcastic. Accessed 29 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of sarcastic

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