sarcastic

[ sahr-kas-tik ]

adjective

1. of, relating to, or characterized by sarcasm:

   a sarcastic reply.

2. using or given to the use of sarcasm:

   His business failures made him sarcastic about other people's ventures.

   Synonyms: sardonic, ironic, derisive, bitter, mordant, cutting, biting

sarcastic

/ sɑːˈkæstɪk /

adjective

1. characterized by sarcasm
2. given to the use of sarcasm

Derived Forms

• sarˈcastically, adverb

Other Words From

• sar·casti·cal·ly adverb
• sar·castic·ness sar·casti·cal·ness noun
• quasi-sar·castic adjective
• quasi-sar·casti·cal·ly adverb
• super·sar·castic adjective
• super·sar·casti·cal·ly adverb
• unsar·castic adjective
• unsar·casti·cal adjective
• unsar·casti·cal·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of sarcastic¹

First recorded in 1685–95; sarc(asm) + -astic, on the model of enthusiasm ( def ): enthusiastic ( def ); -ic ( def )

Synonym Study

See cynical.

Example Sentences

He has a certain Amelia Bedelia quality in which he takes every sarcastic quip of Jack’s literally, his reactions played for laughs that fall totally flat.

From Los Angeles Times

And there was time for some sarcastic clapping and berating when the referee blew the final whistle, before he stormed off.

From BBC

In a victim impact statement read to the court, Ms Hughes family said she was "the most special, funny, outgoing, sarcastic and beautiful person inside and out and her smile and laugh were so infectious".

From BBC

A sarcastic rejection of country tropes, it reveals the early development of his storytelling talent.

From BBC

The differences were stark and — save for the occasional groan, eye roll or sarcastic snicker — politely received.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• acerbic
• acid
• arrogant
• biting
• bitter
• brusque
• caustic
• derisive
• disparaging
• disrespectful
• mordant
• sardonic
• satirical
• saucy
• trenchant