Definitions Related words Phrases Mentions Lyrics History Colors (New!)

Literary notes about sarcastic (AI summary)

In literature, the adjective "sarcastic" is used to convey a range of tones from playful wit to biting contempt. It often marks a deliberate contrast between appearance and underlying sentiment, as when a character performs a “very sarcastic curtsey” [1] or delivers a remark that belies genuine feeling, such as the “sarcastic comment” that hardly comforts [2]. Authors employ the term to enrich dialogue and characterization, using a “sarcastic smile” or “sarcastic nods” to hint at hidden irony or criticism [3, 4, 5]. Through these nuanced expressions, writers reveal the complexities of human interaction, where humor, derision, and even self-deprecation mingle to cast a critical eye on societal norms and personal failings.
  1. She made a little grimace, pouting her lower lip, and dropped a very sarcastic curtsey.
    — from A Hero of Our Time by Mikhail Iurevich Lermontov
  2. "Very comforting," was Miss Cornelia's sarcastic comment.
    — from Anne's House of Dreams by L. M. Montgomery
  3. " "Why should I urge him on?" rejoined Lin Tai-yü, with a sarcastic smile, "nor will I trouble myself to give him advice.
    — from Hung Lou Meng, or, the Dream of the Red Chamber, a Chinese Novel, Book I by Xueqin Cao
  4. “You are mistaken,” said Borís deliberately, with a bold and slightly sarcastic smile.
    — from War and Peace by graf Leo Tolstoy
  5. At these words lady Feng gave a sarcastic smile.
    — from Hung Lou Meng, or, the Dream of the Red Chamber, a Chinese Novel, Book I by Xueqin Cao

More usage examples

Also see: Google, News, Images, Wikipedia, Reddit, BlueSky


Home   Reverse Dictionary / Thesaurus   Datamuse   Word games   Spruce   Feedback   Dark mode   Random word   Help


Color thesaurus

Use OneLook to find colors for words and words for colors

See an example

Literary notes

Use OneLook to learn how words are used by great writers

See an example

Word games

Try our innovative vocabulary games

Play Now

Read the latest OneLook newsletter issue: Compound Your Joy