sarcastically

sarcastically — adverb

1. using deliberately opposite language to mock, criticize, or make fun of someone

1.adverbB2
Definition

using deliberately opposite language to mock, criticize, or make fun of someone or something, often in a humorous way

Example

After tasting the burnt cookies, Paul said, "These are the best I have ever had."

quoted ironic statement — saying the opposite of what you mean

"Oh, I love spending my Friday night doing laundry," Yara said sarcastically.

verb of speaking + sarcastically (dialogue frame)

Common collocations
  • said sarcastically
  • replied sarcastically
  • muttered sarcastically
  • laughed sarcastically
  • asked sarcastically
  • remarked sarcastically
Synonyms
  • ironically

    broader — irony can describe any outcome or statement that contradicts expectations, not just deliberate mockery

  • mockingly

    more about direct imitation or mimicking someone rather than saying the opposite

  • sardonically

    darker and more bitter; implies a cynical, world-weary tone rather than playful mockery

Antonyms
  • sincerely

    expressing genuine feelings without irony or mockery

  • earnestly

    in a serious, heartfelt way — the opposite of sarcastic distance

Grammar Patterns

sarcastically + verb of speaking/responding

verb of speaking + sarcastically

Usage Note

Sarcasm relies on tone of voice in speech; in writing, it is often signalled by an exaggeratedly positive statement that is clearly untrue in context. Be careful — sarcasm can sound rude or dismissive if the listener does not realise you are joking.

Common Mistakes

She smiled at me sarcastically' (when meaning 'with doubt or uncertainty').
She smiled at me skeptically.
'sarcastically' requires a mocking or opposite-meaning intent, not just wariness.
The weather was sarcastically cold' (describing the weather itself).
The weather was ironically cold for July.
'sarcastically' describes a person's tone or manner, not a situation.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: adverb/1

All three describe ways of speaking that are not literally sincere. 'Ironically' is the broadest — it covers any statement or situation where the result is the opposite of what was expected, and it does not require a hostile intent. 'Mockingly' focuses on direct imitation: you copy someone's words, voice, or gestures to make them look foolish, rather than saying the opposite of what you mean. 'Sardonically' is the darkest of the three; it carries a bitter, cynical edge and is often aimed at human weakness or disappointment rather than at a specific person or action. For everyday playful mockery — 'Great, another flat tyre, just what I needed this morning' — 'sarcastically' is the most natural choice.

ironically ↗mockinglysardonically

Common collocations

Phrases

  • said sarcastically
  • replied sarcastically
  • muttered sarcastically
  • laughed sarcastically
  • asked sarcastically
  • remarked sarcastically

Etymology

GreekLatinFrenchEnglish

From Greek 'sarkazein' meaning 'to tear flesh like a dog' — an image of a biting, wounding remark. The word passed through Latin 'sarcasmus' and French 'sarcasme' before entering English in the 1500s. Over time the meaning shifted from literally tearing flesh to making a cutting, mocking comment that hides criticism behind a pleasant surface.