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sarcastic

adjective
sar·​cas·​tic | \ sĂ€r-ˈka-stik How to pronounce sarcastic (audio) \

Definition of sarcastic

1 : having the character of sarcasm sarcastic criticism
2 : given to the use of sarcasm : caustic a sarcastic critic
Other Words from sarcastic Synonyms Choose the Right Synonym Snarky vs. Sarcastic More Example Sentences Learn More about sarcastic

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Other Words from sarcastic

sarcastically \ sĂ€r-​ˈka-​sti-​k(ə-​)lē How to pronounce sarcastically (audio) \ adverb

Choose the Right Synonym for sarcastic

sarcastic, satiric, ironic, sardonic 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 satiric implies that the intent of the ridiculing is censure and reprobation. a satiric look at contemporary society 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 sardonic implies scorn, mockery, or derision that is manifested by either verbal or facial expression. surveyed the scene with a sardonic smile

Snarky vs. Sarcastic

Some have questioned whether snarky is a real word. There can be no doubt that it is; the adjective has been recorded in English since 1906. Its original meaning, “crotchety, snappish,” has largely been overtaken, however, by the far more frequently-encountered sense “sarcastic, impertinent or irreverent.” The precise difference between utterances described as sarcastic and snarky will vary somewhat based on the individual using each word. Some feel that sarcastic usually implies irony, or stating the opposite of what is really intended (for example, “thank you so much for your promptness” spoken to someone who arrives late), whereas snarky implies simple impertinence or irreverence (as when Downton Abbey's Dowager Countess asks Isobel Crawley, “does it ever get cold on the moral high ground?”)

Examples of sarcastic in a Sentence

DeWitt is everything Shea is not. And Shea quickly felt DeWitt's contempt. "Lincoln is loud," Jim says. "He makes sarcastic comments because he has to call attention to himself all the time. Some people are insecure because they haven't established themselves yet." — Anne Marie Cruz, ESPN, 18 Feb. 2002 Close on the heels of "Millionaire" came "The Weakest Link," which added a new wrinkle (subsequently picked up by "American Idol"): Its British host, Anne Robinson, was presented not as a genteel, erudite tutor but rather as a rude, sarcastic jerk. — Andrew Sullivan, New Republic, 4 Nov. 2002 Frank evokes the eccentric Hamilton family and their feisty Gullah housekeeper with originality and conviction; Susan herself—smart, sarcastic, funny and endearingly flawed—makes a lively and memorable narrator. — Publishers Weekly, 24 Jan. 2000 her sarcastic comments that my singing reminded her of the time her dog was sick
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Recent Examples on the Web

 For subscribers: Joaquin Castro tweets names, employers of prominent San Antonio Trump donors Among those responding was Trump, who fired off a sarcastic tweet skewering both brothers. — Bill Lambrecht, ExpressNews.com, "JuliĂĄn Castro attacks Trump in new ad: 'You stoked the fires of racists.'," 13 Aug. 2019 But Markel is dismissive and sarcastic about those concerns, comparing them to a loud Harley Davidson motorcycle or a barking dog that won’t shut up. — Elliot Hughes, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "'I don't care. Fine me': Citations won't stop Greenfield man from firing his Civil War-era cannons on July 4," 27 June 2019 Grace is a street-smart, sarcastic smoker who has to outwit, outplay and outlast a bunch of privileged buffoons obsessed with status. — Katie Walsh, Detroit Free Press, "‘Ready or Not’ is too snarky to be scary," 19 Aug. 2019 And Gruden’s quick fuse and sarcastic humor are ingrained in his image as a head coach. — Matt Kawahara, SFChronicle.com, "Raiders’ Jon Gruden: ‘I don’t swear all the time’," 17 Aug. 2019 Streaming on Netflix Cristela Alonzo: Lower Classy (2017) Alonzo gives her goofy, sarcastic take on everything from rooting for a losing sports team to Latino stereotypes to her relationship with her mother. — Christopher Rosa, Glamour, "The Best Female Stand-Up Comedian Specials to Watch Right Now," 16 Aug. 2019 Fondly remembered for that goal against Barcelona, there was little else Torres achieved at Chelsea that earned him anything other than scathing reviews and sarcastic chanting from opposition supporters. — SI.com, "7 Premier League Players Who Were Booed by Their Own Supporters," 15 Aug. 2019 Return the favor by rattling off any of these funny Father's Day puns, which any sense of humor—no matter how dry or sarcastic—can easily get behind. — Blair Donovan, Country Living, "25 Genius Father's Day Puns That Absolutely Can't Be Beet," 3 May 2019 The players’ teasing of each other and sarcastic humor is contagious. — Phil Blair, San Diego Union-Tribune, "Rugby’s gung-ho spirit brings out the best in players’ post-career plans," 17 June 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'sarcastic.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of sarcastic

1695, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for sarcastic

sarc(asm) + -astic, by analogy with other Greek-derived words where the suffixes -asm and -astic imply one another (as enthusiasm, enthusiastic

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More Definitions for sarcastic

sarcastic

adjective
How to pronounce sarcastic (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of sarcastic

: using or showing sarcasm

See the full definition for sarcastic in the English Language Learners Dictionary

sarcastic

adjective
sar·​cas·​tic | \ sĂ€r-ˈka-stik How to pronounce sarcastic (audio) \

Kids Definition of sarcastic

1 : showing sarcasm a sarcastic reply
2 : being in the habit of using sarcasm a sarcastic person

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