sardonic

adjective

sar·​don·​ic sär-ˈdä-nik 

: disdainfully or skeptically humorous : derisively mocking

a sardonic comment

sardonically

sär-ˈdä-ni-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

Synonyms

• acerb
• acerbic
• acid
• acidic
• acidulous
• acrid
• barbed
• biting
• caustic
• corrosive
• cutting
• mordant
• pungent
• sarcastic
• satiric
• satirical
• scalding
• scathing
• sharp
• smart-aleck
• smart-alecky
• smart-mouthed
• snarky
• tart

Choose the Right Synonym for sardonic

sarcastic, satiric, ironic, sardonic mean marked by bitterness and a power or will to cut or sting.

sarcastic implies an intentional inflicting of pain by deriding, taunting, or ridiculing.

a critic known for his sarcastic remarks

satiric implies that the intent of the ridiculing is censure and reprobation.

a satiric look at contemporary society

ironic implies an attempt to be amusing or provocative by saying usually the opposite of what is meant.

made the ironic observation that the government could always be trusted

sardonic implies scorn, mockery, or derision that is manifested by either verbal or facial expression.

surveyed the scene with a sardonic smile

Examples of sardonic in a Sentence

"The Great War," used interchangeably with "the First World War" (so named in 1918 by a sardonic English journalist, who knew it would not be the last such conflict) … —Benjamin Schwarz, Atlantic, May 1999

They have that brand of sardonic humor special to people up against it: black and wry and shocking … —Doris Lessing, New Yorker, 16 Mar. 1987

In a story by Flaubert, this spreading of cloths to save the carpet would be observed with a sardonic eye; in Lawrence it is bleakly practical. —Hugh Kenner, A Sinking Island, 1987

The movie is a sardonic look at modern life.

a sardonic little jab that made her visitor quiet and subdued for the rest of the night

Recent Examples on the Web

All of it might have been intended as satire, but as Katy Perry learned this year, sometimes the sardonic is just stupid. —Melissa Ruggieri, USA TODAY, 10 Dec. 2024

Indeed, the Australian writer-director laces the film’s many tall tales — like how Pinky’s second husband was eaten by a crocodile right in front of her eyes — with sardonic humor meant to mollify and entertain in equal measure. —Manuel Betancourt, Los Angeles Times, 25 Oct. 2024

Millions more cram the sidewalks to clap, bang drums, and wave sardonic homemade signs. —Frederick Dreier, Outside Online, 9 Nov. 2024

Suzanne Pleshette played Bob’s sardonic and knowing wife Emily, with I Dream of Jeannie co-star Bill Daily constantly intruding as their goofball neighbor, Howard Borden. —Matt Zoller Seitz, Vulture, 19 July 2024

Word History

Etymology

re-formation, with the suffix -ic entry 1, of earlier sardonian, from Greek sardónios, alteration (after Sardónios "Sardinian") of earlier sardánios "(of laughter or smiling) bitter, scornful" (of obscure origin) + -an entry 2

First Known Use

1638, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

sardonic

adjective

sar·​don·​ic sär-ˈdän-ik 

: scornful, mocking

sardonically

-ˈdän-i-k(ə-)lē 

adverb