sarcastic
Americanadjective
-
characterized by sarcasm
-
given to the use of sarcasm
Related Words
See cynical.
Other Word Forms
- quasi-sarcastic adjective
- quasi-sarcastically adverb
- sarcastically adverb
- sarcasticalness noun
- sarcasticness noun
- supersarcastic adjective
- supersarcastically adverb
- unsarcastic adjective
- unsarcastical adjective
- unsarcastically adverb
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.
“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
Omar then turned the sarcastic thoughts and prayers around on Mace.
From Salon • Mar. 1, 2026
She posted a simple question, and her thank-you to the first person who answered was misconstrued as sarcastic.
From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 25, 2026
“Obviously I’ll accept money,” Doncic said with a sarcastic smile.
From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 26, 2025
They are sarcastic, my lot, calling a runty little chap like me Big Fellow, but there you are.
From "Norse Mythology" by Neil Gaiman
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.
