1
Core meaning
Cutting or mocking language, often saying the opposite of what is meant in order to ridicule.
Example
Her remark was sarcasm, not genuine praise.
sarcasm
/ˈsɑːkæzəm/ · SAR-kaz-umnoun
Cutting or mocking language, often saying the opposite of what is meant in order to ridicule.
Use sarcasm to express this relationship precisely: cutting or mocking language, often saying the opposite of what is meant in order to ridicule.
What sarcasm Really Means
The word becomes easier to use when its closely related senses are separated and compared.
2
Common noun frame
Use this noun in a complete noun phrase, adding the complement that identifies what it refers to when needed.
Example
Constant sarcasm made honest discussion difficult.
3
Analytical distinction
Choose it when this exact concept matters; a related term may describe its cause, evidence, or opposite instead.
Example
The narrator uses gentle irony rather than harsh sarcasm.
Use sarcasm Naturally
Notice how the surrounding noun or clause reveals the exact shade of meaning.
Her remark was sarcasm, not genuine praise.
Constant sarcasm made honest discussion difficult.
The narrator uses gentle irony rather than harsh sarcasm.
Precision Matters
Sarcasm overlaps with several common words, but each carries a different emphasis.
sarcasm
vs.Means cutting or mocking language, often saying the opposite of what is meant in order to ridicule.
candor
Means the quality of being open, honest, and straightforward in speech or expression.
sarcasm
vs.Means cutting or mocking language, often saying the opposite of what is meant in order to ridicule.
empathy
Means the ability to understand and share another person's feelings or perspective.
sarcasm
vs.Means cutting or mocking language, often saying the opposite of what is meant in order to ridicule.
commend
Means praise or express approval of someone or something, especially for a worthy action or quality.
sarcasm
vs.Means cutting or mocking language, often saying the opposite of what is meant in order to ridicule.
satire
Means the use of humour, irony, exaggeration, or ridicule to expose and criticize human folly or social problems.
Test sarcasm in Context
The speaker uses ironic praise to mock failure.
1
Calling the disastrous launch 'another flawless success' was obvious ___.