sarcasm

noun

ˈsär-ˌka-zəm How to pronounce sarcasm (audio)
Definition of sarcasmnext
as in insult
an act or expression showing scorn and usually intended to hurt another's feelings I know you're not happy, but there's no need to resort to petty sarcasms to make your point

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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How does the noun sarcasm differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of sarcasm are humor, irony, repartee, satire, and wit. While all these words mean "a mode of expression intended to arouse amusement," sarcasm applies to expression frequently in the form of irony that is intended to cut or wound.

given to heartless sarcasm

When might humor be a better fit than sarcasm?

The words humor and sarcasm are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, humor implies an ability to perceive the ludicrous, the comical, and the absurd in human life and to express these usually without bitterness.

a sense of humor

When can irony be used instead of sarcasm?

While in some cases nearly identical to sarcasm, irony applies to a manner of expression in which the intended meaning is the opposite of what is seemingly expressed.

the irony of the title

In what contexts can repartee take the place of sarcasm?

While the synonyms repartee and sarcasm are close in meaning, repartee implies the power of answering quickly, pointedly, or wittily.

a dinner guest noted for repartee

When is satire a more appropriate choice than sarcasm?

In some situations, the words satire and sarcasm are roughly equivalent. However, satire applies to writing that exposes or ridicules conduct, doctrines, or institutions either by direct criticism or more often through irony, parody, or caricature.

a satire on the Congress

When would wit be a good substitute for sarcasm?

The meanings of wit and sarcasm largely overlap; however, wit suggests the power to evoke laughter by remarks showing verbal felicity or ingenuity and swift perception especially of the incongruous.

a playful wit

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of sarcasm Think of Wendy’s social media interactions that use wit, humor and just the right bit of sarcasm to give the brand a personality all its own. —Ken Braun, Forbes.com, 7 May 2025 Ten years ago, Phish seemed like a massive long-shot to ever score a nomination, with a nearly insurmountable mountain of sarcasm from critics standing between Phish and the Rock Hall. —Jim Harrington, Mercury News, 15 Apr. 2025 The cat from Coraline (2009) The enigmatic, unnamed cat helps guide Coraline through both her own world and the eerie Other World — with plenty of sarcasm along the way. —Devan Coggan, EW.com, 11 Apr. 2025 There’s a certain Egyptian sarcasm and dark humor that is all over my family. —Lulu Garcia-Navarro, New York Times, 12 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for sarcasm
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sarcasm
  1. insult
  2. outrage
Noun
  • They were quickly showered with boos and insults, along with various food items and beverages, including my mother’s large Pepsi.
    — Leonard Greene, New York Daily News, 17 May 2025
  • The statue was widely reviled by locals, who saw its abstract look as ugly and an insult to the first lady.
    — Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 16 May 2025
Definition of insult
Noun
  • In addition, a customer usually won’t know how much of the code was written using AI, so there won’t be any public outrage, as is the case with self-driving cars.
    — Victor Erukhimov, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025
  • The killing ignited international outrage and massive protests during a pandemic that had already rocked the nation.
    — Greg Braxton, Los Angeles Times, 23 May 2025
Definition of outrage

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Cite this Entry

“Sarcasm.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sarcasm. Accessed 3 Jun. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on sarcasm

Nglish: Translation of sarcasm for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about sarcasm

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