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sarcasm definition

sar·casm (sär′kaz′əm)

noun

  1. a taunting, sneering, cutting, or caustic remark; gibe or jeer, generally ironic
  2. the making of such remarks
  3. their characteristic quality

Etymology: LL sarcasmos < Gr sarkasmos < sarkazein, to tear flesh like dogs, speak bitterly < sarx (gen. sarkos), flesh < IE base *twerk-, to cut > Avestan thwarəs-, to cut, whittle

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2005 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

sarcasm Synonyms

sarcasm

n.

satire, irony, banter, derision, contempt, scoffing, flouting, superciliousness, ridicule, burlesque, disparagement, criticism, cynicism, invective, censure, lampooning, aspersion, sneering, mockery.

Antonyms flattery, fawning, cajolery.


Webster's New World Roget's A-Z Thesaurus Copyright © 1999 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

sarcasm Usage Examples

Converse of object

  • avoid: When giving feedback avoid sarcasm or highly negative remarks.

Adjective modifier

  • biting: However, Twain's biting sarcasm makes it a good book for adults too.

Modifies a noun

  • mode: Turn off the sarcasm mode They are not great areas!
sarcasm usage examples (more)

The word usage examples above have been gathered from various sources to reflect current and historical usage. They do not represent the opinions of YourDictionary.com.

sarcasm quotes

He has to learn that petulance is not sarcasm, and that insolence is not invective.

-Disraeli, Benjamin, 1st Earl of Beaconsfield

   Never use sarcasm on players. It doesn't work.

-Ferguson, SirAlex

sarcasm quotes (more)

Webster's New World Dictionary of Quotations Copyright © 2005 by Chambers Harrap Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved. Published by Wiley, Hoboken, NJ. Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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"sarcasm." Webster's New World College Dictionary. 2009

  • Your Dictionary. 5 July 2009
  • <www.yourdictionary.com/sarcasm>

APA Style

sarcasm. (2009). In Webster's New World College Dictionary

  • Retrieved July 5th, 2009, from www.yourdictionary.com/sarcasm

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