sarcastic
Americanadjective
-
characterized by sarcasm
-
given to the use of sarcasm
Synonym Usage
See cynical.
Other Word 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.
"If I want to be cynical and sarcastic, all we would have earned is a right to get absolutely destroyed by France," said German football journalist Raphael Honigstein on BBC Radio 5 Live.
From BBC ● Jun. 30, 2026
Rickles’ vocal turn as the sarcastic but devoted Mr. Potato Head along with John Ratzenberger’s wisecracking piggy bank Hamm gave the first three “Toy Story” movies a sharp edge that balanced their sentimentality.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 17, 2026
He added a sarcastic note: “Sure, but just wait until people hear about that tattoo he covered up.”
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 12, 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
Normally I lay pretty low and let conversations roll around me, occasionally tossing in a sarcastic comment or two just so people don’t think I’m too slow to keep up.
From "Anthem of a Reluctant Prophet" by Joanne Proulx
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.
