sarcastically
gb/sɑɹkˈæstɪkli/ us/sɑɹkˈæstɪkli/
B1
English
~ 1700
Senses
0 senses
adverb
informal
B1
property
1
In a mocking or ironic way
In a way that says the opposite of what you mean, usually to be funny or to hurt someone.
Usage pattern:
to say [something] sarcastically
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'sarcastically' with 'ironically'. While both can mean saying the opposite of what you mean, sarcasm usually aims to mock or criticize someone directly.
Synonyms
mockingly (Focuses on making fun of someone, not always with irony.)
|
ironically (Often used for saying the opposite of what is meant, but can also describe situations, not just speech.)
Antonyms
sincerely (Shows genuine and honest intention, without irony or mockery.)
|
earnestly (Communicates in a serious and honest way.)
Collocations
smile sarcastically
|reply sarcastically
|ask sarcastically
|remark sarcastically
Themes
communication
|emotions
|social
Examples
- "Oh, great job," she said sarcastically after he spilled coffee on the report.
- He sarcastically thanked the traffic for making him late.
- "Nice weather we're having," he added sarcastically as the rain poured down.
- She looked at the messy room and said sarcastically, "Wow, so clean."
Learner examples
- He said sarcastically, "You are so smart," after I made a mistake.
- She asked sarcastically if I enjoyed waiting for an hour.
- "That was fun," he said sarcastically after the long, boring meeting.
- I told him sarcastically that his joke was very funny.
Grammar
Dictionary form
sarcastically
IPA
GB/sɑɹkˈæstɪkli/
US/sɑɹkˈæstɪkli/
Syllables & stress
sar - castic - ally (3 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (castic)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: sarcastically
- Plural: sarcasticallies
Word family
Forms
sarcasticallies
noun
Related words
Advanced or less common
sardonic
adjective
Expressions
say something sarcastically
1/sˈeɪ sˈʌmθɪŋ sɑɹkˈæstɪkli/
fixed phrase
informal
Speak with mocking irony
To speak in a way that says the opposite of what you mean to be funny or unkind.
Examples
- She said sarcastically that his plan was 'brilliant'.
- He told me sarcastically that I was 'right on time'.
smile sarcastically
1/smˈaɪl sɑɹkˈæstɪkli/
fixed phrase
informal
Smile in a mocking way
To smile in a way that shows you are making fun of someone or not being sincere.
Examples
- He smiled sarcastically when she explained her excuse.
- She smiled sarcastically at his obvious mistake.