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

Synonym Chooser

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 Her daughter talks like an adult, understands sarcasm and even tells jokes. —Ashley Vega, People.com, 5 June 2025 In a now-viral Instagram post, 50 Cent chimed in with his trademark sarcasm. —Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 20 May 2025 There’s a signature tension between the literal and the imagined, moments of authenticity layered with sarcasm and vaudevillian veneer. —Lauren Warnecke, Chicago Tribune, 17 May 2025 But behind the sarcasm is the uncomfortable truth: today's kids are hyper-aware of how they're perceived. —Annabelle Canela, Parents, 9 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for sarcasm
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sarcasm
  1. insult
  2. outrage
Noun
  • And the gratuitous insults—to NATO allies, the European Union, the BRICs, the United Nations, or the World Health Organization—continue to flow from the president.
    — MARGARET MACMILLAN, Foreign Affairs, 21 July 2025
  • The Steals and Deals segment on the WFTV newscasts are annoying and an insult to the viewers!
    — Ticked Off, The Orlando Sentinel, 20 July 2025
Definition of insult
Noun
  • After a two-year spike during the pandemic and national outrage over police accountability, Chicago began to see a decline in homicides in 2022.
    — Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 14 July 2025
  • Punishing criminals is an outrage among the progressive set, who work diligently to reframe a prison sentence as little more than a change of address.
    — Boston Herald editorial staff, Boston Herald, 13 July 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 30 Jul. 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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