What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
sarcastic
Example
His sarcastic comments made it clear that he was not impressed. [sarcastic: adjective]
Example
She replied with a sarcastic tone, 'Oh, great. Another meeting.' [sarcastic: adjective]
mocking
Example
He couldn't resist mocking her accent, which made her feel embarrassed. [mocking: gerund or present participle]
Example
The comedian's jokes were often mocking and offensive to some members of the audience. [mocking: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Sarcastic is more commonly used than mocking in everyday language. Sarcastic comments are often used in casual conversations, while mocking comments are more likely to be used in confrontational situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between sarcastic and mocking?
Both sarcastic and mocking are generally informal words. However, sarcastic can be used in more formal contexts, such as in writing or public speaking, while mocking is typically reserved for informal situations.
