sarcastic

Meanings

1. 1adjectivecomparable

   Saying the opposite of what you mean in order to mock someone or show annoyance.

   Grammar: Describes remarks or people: a sarcastic comment, he was sarcastic.

   Patterns

   • sarcastic about something
   • be sarcastic to someone

   "Great job," she said in a sarcastic tone after he dropped the tray.

   He made a sarcastic remark about the slow service.

   Don't be sarcastic with your sister.

2. 2adjectivecomparabledisapproving

   Having a habit of making cutting, mocking remarks.

   Grammar: Describes a person's usual style: a sarcastic teenager, a sarcastic sense of humor.

   Patterns

   • a sarcastic person

   My uncle is sarcastic by nature and enjoys teasing everyone.

   The sarcastic host mocked the guests' answers.

   Her sarcastic humor sometimes hurts people.

Word forms

Common combinations

sarcastic remark

His sarcastic remark made the room go quiet.

sarcastic tone

She answered in a sarcastic tone.

sarcastic comment

A sarcastic comment from the back made everyone laugh.

deeply sarcastic

The reviewer was deeply sarcastic about the plot.

sarcastic smile

He gave a sarcastic smile and clapped slowly.

Synonyms and how they differ

ironic

Ironic describes a gap between expectation and reality, and need not be meant to hurt, whereas sarcastic aims to mock.

sardonic

Sardonic is more formal and suggests a cold, bitter humor, while sarcastic is more common and direct.

caustic

Caustic suggests biting, damaging criticism, while sarcastic depends on saying the opposite.

mocking

Mocking just means making fun, but sarcastic works specifically through opposite meaning.

Opposites

Word family

sarcasm noun

remarks that mean the opposite of what is said

sarcastically adverb

in a mocking way

Commonly confused: sarcastic or ironic?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “sarcastic”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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