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.
Yet from the bench his questions can be blunt, withering and even sarcastic.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 10, 2026
"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
Elmo also fielded a slew of sarcastic and jaded responses when he tweeted in 2024: "How is everybody doing?"
From BBC ● Jun. 6, 2026
“Well, are you ready now?” said that sarcastic voice.
From "The Amber Spyglass" by Philip Pullman
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.
