sarcastic
8 synonyms and 1 antonym for sarcastic, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adj — Marked by sarcasm; mocking through statements that mean the opposite of what they literally say.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
unsarcastic
How to use sarcastic
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
sarcastic remark
sarcastic tone
sarcastic comment
Etymology
From "sarcasm" plus the adjective suffix "-astic," ultimately from Greek "sarx" ("flesh").
Full origin of sarcastic →Frequently asked questions
What does “sarcastic” mean?
The word “sarcastic” means marked by sarcasm; mocking through statements that mean the opposite of what they literally say. In plain terms, using words to mock or mean the opposite of what's literally said.
How do you pronounce “sarcastic”?
“Sarcastic” is pronounced sah-KAS-tihk (/sɑɹˈkæs.tɪk/ in IPA).
How do you use “sarcastic” in a sentence?
Here is “sarcastic” used in a sentence: “He gave a sarcastic round of applause when she finally arrived, an hour late.”
What is another word for “sarcastic”?
Words with a similar meaning to “sarcastic” include sarky and snarky.
What part of speech is “sarcastic”?
“Sarcastic” is an adjective.
Where does the word “sarcastic” come from?
The word “sarcastic” comes from Greek. From "sarcasm" plus the adjective suffix "-astic," ultimately from Greek "sarx" ("flesh").
Is “sarcastic” a common word?
“Sarcastic” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the C1 level.
What is the difference between sarcastic and ironic?
"Sarcastic" describes speech that mocks by meaning the opposite of what is literally said, usually to criticize someone, while "ironic" describes a broader gap between expectation and reality that isn't necessarily mocking or aimed at a person. A sarcastic comment is always a form of irony, but not all irony is sarcastic.
Is being sarcastic always meant to be hurtful?
Not always. A sarcastic comment can range from lighthearted teasing between friends to a pointed put-down, since sarcasm is defined by its mocking, opposite-meaning structure rather than a fixed level of harshness. Tone and relationship usually determine how it lands.
What is the difference between sarcastic and facetious?
"Sarcastic" involves mocking someone by saying the opposite of what is meant, often with an edge of criticism, while "facetious" describes a flippant, joking attitude that treats a serious matter lightly, without necessarily reversing meaning. Facetious remarks aim to be funny; sarcastic remarks aim to mock.
