sarcastic
Americanadjective
-
characterized by sarcasm
-
given to the use of sarcasm
Synonym Usage
See cynical.
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Etymology
Origin of sarcastic
First recorded in 1685–95; sarc(asm) + -astic, on the model of enthusiasm ( def. ): enthusiastic ( def. ); see -ic ( def. )
Compare meaning
How does sarcastic compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:
Explanation
Sarcastic humor mocks or ridicules, usually by saying the opposite of what is actually meant. The talent-show judge who rolls his eyes at your dancing, smirks, and says, "You ought to be on Broadway" is a sarcastic person. Sarcastic comes from the Greek word sarkazhein, which literally means "tear the flesh." Maybe that's why we also refer to our talent-show judge's remark as "cutting." When someone's being sarcastic, sometimes it's the tone, facial expression, or body language that let you know — like when our talent-show judge says exaggeratedly, "Great job! I almost confused you for Pavarotti," as he gives you a thumbs-down.
Vocabulary lists containing sarcastic
The Catcher in the Rye
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In the Mood? 100 Words to Describe Emotions
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"Diary of a Wimpy Kid" by Jeff Kinney
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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.
Elmo also fielded a slew of sarcastic and jaded responses when he tweeted in 2024: "How is everybody doing?"
From BBC • Jun. 6, 2026
The remaining line-up of musicians, whose prime came and went decades ago -- such as Vanilla Ice and C+C Music Factory -- has sparked a flood of sarcastic comments on social media.
From Barron's • May 30, 2026
“I feel that those sarcastic remarks are entirely uncalled for,” a self-professed “admirer of clean sports” wrote in a letter published in the Berkshire Eagle after a Lenox basketball game in 1925.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 22, 2026
Jude loves a deep, sarcastic, wide-ranging gabfest — as do all Romanian filmmakers, it seems.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 3, 2026
He throws me a scowl, but I see his usual sarcastic playfulness dance in his eyes, so I know his gruffness is just his usual, and not directed at me specifically.
From "Red Flags and Butterflies" by Sheryl Azzam
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
