Vocabulary in context
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Sarcasm
A sharp, often ironic remark intended to mock or convey contempt.
noun💡
Imagine This
Picture a coworker replying to a teammate's perfectly ordinary effort with a sly smile and the remark, 'Nice job,' spoken in a tone that clearly means the opposite.
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Sounds Like
/ˈsɑːr.kæz.ɪ.zəm/ (SAR-kaz-uh-zum)
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Looks Like
Looks like the related adjective 'sarcastic'; shares the same root and ends with -ism
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Remember This
The word comes from Greek sarkasmós, from sarkazein 'to tear flesh,' originally implying cutting taunts; in modern use it refers to biting irony used to mock.
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Other Forms
sarcasticadjective
sarcasticallyadverb
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Connect With
irony, mockery, sardonic, caustic, sneer, derision
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Note
Sarcasm is a form of irony and can be hurtful or alienating. It is not the same as a genuine compliment or straightforward criticism. Use caution in formal writing or sensitive situations.
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Study Deeper
Examples
- Her sarcasm showed when she claimed the report was on time, even though it was a week late.
- The coach's sarcasm toward the players lowered their morale.
Synonyms
mockeryironyderisionsardonic witsnide remark
Antonyms
sincerityearnestnesscompliment
Etymology
From Greek sarkasmos, from sarkazein 'to tear flesh'; originally meant to taunt or mock with biting language.
Mnemonic
Sharp And Ridiculous Criticism, A Snide Mockery
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Similar Words
Related words and words with the same part of speech.
Abasement
nounThe act or instance of humiliating or degrading someone; the state of being lowered in dignity or status.
Absurdity
nounThe quality or state of being wildly unreasonable, illogical, or ridiculous; something that is completely contrary to reason or common sense.
Accent
nounA distinctive way of pronouncing words; the act of emphasizing a syllable or word (as a verb, to accent means to emphasize).
Accolade
nounAn honor; a public expression of praise or an award.
Acrimony
nounBitterness of speech or manner; ill feeling
Acronym
nounA word formed from the initial letters of a phrase, pronounced as a single word and used as a shorthand for the full name (for example, NASA or radar).
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