Ironic vs. Sarcastic — What's the Difference?
Difference Between Ironic and Sarcastic
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Compare with Definitions
Ironic
Characterized by or constituting irony.
Sarcastic
Expressing or marked by sarcasm.
Ironic
Given to the use of irony.
Sarcastic
Given to using sarcasm
A sarcastic friend.
Ironic
Poignantly contrary to what was expected or intended
Madness, an ironic fate for such a clear thinker.
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Sarcastic
Containing sarcasm.
A sarcastic quip
The teacher's sarcastic tone
Ironic
Usage Problem Coincidental or improbable.
Sarcastic
(of a person) Having the personality trait of expressing sarcasm.
Ironic
(Of a situation) Characterized by or constituting (any kind of) irony.
It's somewhat ironic to have a wave of smog right on Earth Day.
Sarcastic
Expressing, or expressed by, sarcasm; characterized by, or of the nature of, sarcasm; given to the use of sarcasm; bitterly satirical; scornfully severe; taunting.
What a fierce and sarcastic reprehension would this have drawn from the friendship of the world!
Ironic
(proscribed) Odd or coincidental; strange.
It's ironic that we are eating a sandwich in Sandwich, Massachusetts.
Sarcastic
Expressing or expressive of ridicule that wounds
Ironic
(preceded with "being") Acting in a unserious and teasing manner.
Don't take it personally. We're just being ironic.
Ironic
(Of a statement, action, etc.) Done in an insincere and mocking manner; satirical.
You should assume that everything this guy posts is ironic.
Ironic
Ironical.
Ironic
Humorously sarcastic or mocking;
Dry humor
An ironic remark often conveys an intended meaning obliquely
An ironic novel
An ironical smile
With a wry Scottish wit
Ironic
Characterized by often poignant difference or incongruity between what is expected and what actually is;
Madness, an ironic fate for such a clear thinker
It was ironical that the well-planned scheme failed so completely
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