sarcastic
sah-KAS-tihk
Sarcastic (adj) means marked by sarcasm; mocking through statements that mean the opposite of what they literally say. Example: “He gave a sarcastic round of applause when she finally arrived, an hour late.”
adj
1
Marked by sarcasm; mocking through statements that mean the opposite of what they literally say.
"He gave a sarcastic round of applause when she finally arrived, an hour late."
"Her sarcastic tone made it clear she didn't believe a word of it."
""Oh, brilliant, another delay," she said in a sarcastic voice."
How to use sarcastic
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishUsing words to mock or mean the opposite of what's literally said.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
sarcastic remark
sarcastic tone
sarcastic comment
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Word forms
- Comparative
- more sarcastic
- Superlative
- most sarcastic
Fill the gap
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He gave a _____ round of applause when she finally arrived, an hour late.
Etymology
From "sarcasm" plus the adjective suffix "-astic," ultimately from Greek "sarx" ("flesh").
Related words
Rhymes for sarcastic
See all rhymes for 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.
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