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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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 Having taken in her brother’s shocking news, Mahsa shifts from stunned sarcasm to profound sympathy and probing philosophical dialogue. — Sheri Linden, HollywoodReporter, 11 Sep. 2026 Gellerbrant said her posts were taken out of context and were meant as irony and sarcasm. — ABC News, 11 Sep. 2026 The other presidents had some semblance of comedic appreciation, whether through cynicism, irony, sarcasm, joke-telling, joke appreciation or storytelling. — John Blumenthal, Chicago Tribune, 16 Aug. 2026 Like all of Roth’s content, there is a mix of dead seriousness, dry sarcasm, and wondrous joy in equal measure. — Marisa Meltzer, Vanity Fair, 12 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sarcasm
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sarcasm
  1. insult
  2. outrage
Noun
  • But even with such attitudinal strides, Pew Research shows that people’s fears about AI’s societal impact are high, and digital choirs hurl insults at any project featuring the tech.
    — Corbin Bolies, Variety, 13 Oct. 2026
  • Continue reading … SOUR NOTE — Hayley Williams unleashes vulgar insult at DHS after agency defends ICE officers.
    — , FOXNews.com, 12 Oct. 2026
Definition of insult
Noun
  • And so The Devils remains a movie out of time, a masterpiece and an outrage.
    — Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 16 Oct. 2026
  • The incident sparked public outrage and prompted the Police Department to launch an internal investigation.
    — Ruben Vives, Los Angeles Times, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of outrage

Browse Nearby Words

saps
sarcasm
sarcasms
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Cite this Entry

“Sarcasm.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sarcasm. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on sarcasm

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about sarcasm

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