First Known Use: 1695
Dictionary
sarcastic
adjective sar·cas·tic \sär-ˈkas-tik\
: using or showing sarcasm
Full Definition of SARCASTIC
1
: having the character of sarcasm <sarcastic criticism>
2
: given to the use of sarcasm : caustic <a sarcastic critic>
— sar·cas·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
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Examples of SARCASTIC
- DeWitt is everything Shea is not. And Shea quickly felt DeWitt's contempt. “Lincoln is loud,” Jim says. “He makes sarcastic comments because he has to call attention to himself all the time. Some people are insecure because they haven't established themselves yet.” —Anne Marie Cruz, ESPN, 18 Feb. 2002
- Close on the heels of “Millionaire” came “The Weakest Link,” which added a new wrinkle (subsequently picked up by “American Idol”): Its British host, Anne Robinson, was presented not as a genteel, erudite tutor but rather as a rude, sarcastic jerk. —Andrew Sullivan, New Republic, 4 Nov. 2002
- Frank evokes the eccentric Hamilton family and their feisty Gullah housekeeper with originality and conviction; Susan herself—smart, sarcastic, funny and endearingly flawed—makes a lively and memorable narrator. —Publishers Weekly, 24 Jan. 2000
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Origin of SARCASTIC
(see sarcasm)
Related to SARCASTIC
Synonym Discussion of SARCASTIC
sarcastic, satiric, ironic, sardonic mean marked by bitterness and a power or will to cut or sting. sarcastic implies an intentional inflicting of pain by deriding, taunting, or ridiculing <a critic known for his sarcastic remarks>. satiric implies that the intent of the ridiculing is censure and reprobation <a satiric look at contemporary society>. ironic implies an attempt to be amusing or provocative by saying usually the opposite of what is meant <made the ironic observation that the government could always be trusted>. sardonic implies scorn, mockery, or derision that is manifested by either verbal or facial expression <surveyed the scene with a sardonic smile>.
Rhymes with SARCASTIC
SARCASTIC Defined for Kids
sarcastic
adjective sar·cas·tic \sär-ˈka-stik\
Definition of SARCASTIC for Kids
1
: showing sarcasm <a sarcastic reply>
2
: being in the habit of using sarcasm <a sarcastic person>
— sar·cas·ti·cal·ly \-sti-kə-lē\ adverb
Learn More About SARCASTIC
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