sarcastic

[sahr-kas-tik] / sɑrˈkæs tɪk /

ADJECTIVE

nasty, mocking in speech

Synonyms

STRONGEST

acerbic acid arrogant biting bitter brusque caustic derisive disparaging disrespectful mordant sardonic satirical saucy trenchant

WEAK

acerb acrimonious austere backhanded captious carping chaffing contemptuous contumelious corrosive cussed cutting cynical disillusioned evil hostile irascible ironical mean needling offensive ornery salty scorching scornful scurrilous severe sharp smart-alecky snarling sneering taunting twitting weisenheiming

Antonyms

STRONGEST

bland calm complimentary courteous kind mild nice polite respectful sweet

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

She posted a simple question, and her thank-you to the first person who answered was misconstrued as sarcastic.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 25, 2026

The Belarusian was unimpressed, aiming a sarcastic thumbs down at the umpire and offering a few choice words to her team, but she was able to reset quickly.

From BBC • Jan. 29, 2026

“I answered a question where I was being sarcastic and ironic, and it’s followed me around,” he said.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 21, 2026

Judging from the upbeat tartness flavoring the humor of “I Love LA,” the show’s title isn’t sarcastic.

From Salon • Nov. 2, 2025

I have no idea if he’s being sincere or sarcastic, but I just say, “Thanks.”

From "Keeping Pace" by Laurie Morrison

Vocabulary lists containing sarcastic

The Catcher in the Rye

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