# sarcastic

/sɑɹˈkæstɪk/ (US) · /sɑːkˈɑːstɪk/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/sarcastic
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. mocking speech

adjective · CEFR B2

using words that mean the opposite of what you really think to make fun of someone or something.

For teachers: containing or expressing sarcasm; using irony to mock or convey contempt.

- "Oh, great job," he said in a sarcastic voice after I dropped the tray.
- The critic's review was filled with sarcastic observations about the director's lack of originality and the lead actor's wooden performance.

### 2. personality trait

adjective · CEFR B2

describing a person who often makes jokes that mock others or uses sharp irony.

For teachers: habitually using sarcasm as a primary mode of communication or humour.

- She is very sarcastic, so it is sometimes hard to tell if she is being serious.
- Known for his sarcastic wit, the comedian often alienated audience members who were unprepared for his biting social commentary.

## Examples

- He gave a sarcastic reply when I asked if he was busy.
- Her sarcastic comment about the 'wonderful' weather made everyone realize she was actually miserable in the rain.
- The critic's review was famously sarcastic, dissecting the director's artistic choices with a biting wit that many found more entertaining than the film itself.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.