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 When the 10th batter (Dalton Rushing) struck out for the first out of the inning, the diminished number of Pirates fans still on hand gave a sarcastic cheer for their team’s stick-to-itiveness. — Bill Plunkett, Oc Register, 10 June 2026 On Monday night, Contreras was ejected in the second inning after a check-swing strikeout prompted him to give a sarcastic ABS challenge gesture at the umpire, earning an instant boot. — Alejandro Avila Outkick, FOXNews.com, 1 July 2026 Conversely, Charles Johnson expressed irate objections, and Renato Moicano offered sarcastic remarks. — Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 23 June 2026 Jodie Sweetin, who played the sarcastic middle child Stephanie Tanner across the series' eight-season run, recently looked back on the sitcom's original pilot, which featured a different actor in the role of kindly Tanner family patriarch Danny. — Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 29 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for sarcastic

Recent Examples of Synonyms for sarcastic

Adjective

The script for the video was written by Casale and his longtime friend Max Papeschi, an Italian satirical artist.

— Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 3 July 2026
Staff members of the satirical magazine Leman are on trial on charges of inciting hatred over a cartoon published last year that features the Prophet Mohammed and Moses.

— ABC News, ABC News, 2 July 2026

Definition of satiric

Adjective

Avocado, tomatillos, a serrano pepper, and lime are mixed together in just five minutes to make a bright and acidic dip that's served best with your favorite tortilla chips.

— Jenna Sims, Southern Living, 1 July 2026
It’s absorbed without needing food or a highly acidic environment.

— Taylor Lane, Flow Space, 30 June 2026

Definition of acidic

Adjective

The fence, as constructed, is more than 8 feet tall and is topped with a strand of barbed wire — too high for many animals to jump and dangerous for those that attempt to do so.

— Elise Schmelzer, Denver Post, 28 June 2026
Vines have grown through the fence and barbed wire surrounding a tall art deco building in this city’s downtown, and cigarette holders and empty food tins litter the tall weeds.

— Susan Svrluga, Washington Post, 24 June 2026

Definition of barbed

Adjective

Scotto highlighted that Kinetik has purpose-built its system for sour gas handling, giving it an edge over new competitors that may face permitting delays of at least three years to build acid gas injection wells.

— TipRanks.com Staff, CNBC, 21 June 2026
On the other hand, a hydrangea species that can sometimes disappoint Chicago-area gardeners is the bigleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla), known for having big blue blooms when grown in acid soil and popular in the eastern United States.

— Beth Botts, Chicago Tribune, 20 June 2026

Definition of acid

Adjective

Cavill, absent from the proceedings for long stretches, remains a sturdy presence as the most buff screen Sherlock ever, while Helena Bonham Carter is again reliably amusing as Enola and Sherlock’s sardonic mother Eudoria.

— Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 30 June 2026
And Milly’s being this sort of seething, disconnected, sardonic character who is more of an observer.

— Mike Ryan, IndieWire, 18 June 2026

Definition of sardonic

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“Sarcastic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sarcastic. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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