SARDONIC Synonyms: 89 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'sardonic' different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of sardonic are ironic , sarcastic , and satiric . While all these words mean "marked by bitterness and a power or will to cut or sting," sardonic implies scorn, mockery, or derision that is manifested by either verbal or facial expression. // surveyed the scene with a sardonic smile

Q: When is 'ironic' a more appropriate choice than 'sardonic'?

The words ironic and sardonic can be used in similar contexts, but 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

Q: Where would 'sarcastic' be a reasonable alternative to 'sardonic'?

The synonyms sarcastic and sardonic are sometimes interchangeable, but sarcastic implies an intentional inflicting of pain by deriding, taunting, or ridiculing. // a critic known for his sarcastic remarks

Q: When might 'satiric' be a better fit than 'sardonic'?

Although the words satiric and sardonic have much in common, satiric implies that the intent of the ridiculing is censure and reprobation. // a satiric look at contemporary society

sardonic

adjective

sär-ˈdä-nik

Definition of sardonic next

as in sarcastic

marked by the use of wit that is intended to cause hurt feelings a sardonic little jab that made her visitor quiet and subdued for the rest of the night

Synonyms & Similar Words

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How is the word sardonic different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of sardonic are ironic, sarcastic, and satiric. While all these words mean "marked by bitterness and a power or will to cut or sting," sardonic implies scorn, mockery, or derision that is manifested by either verbal or facial expression.

surveyed the scene with a sardonic smile

When is ironic a more appropriate choice than sardonic?

The words ironic and sardonic can be used in similar contexts, but 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

Where would sarcastic be a reasonable alternative to sardonic?

The synonyms sarcastic and sardonic are sometimes interchangeable, but sarcastic implies an intentional inflicting of pain by deriding, taunting, or ridiculing.

a critic known for his sarcastic remarks

When might satiric be a better fit than sardonic?

Although the words satiric and sardonic have much in common, satiric implies that the intent of the ridiculing is censure and reprobation.

a satiric look at contemporary society

Examples Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of sardonic The Wednesday Creeper combines hard and soft design details, almost to reflect its namesake’s own hard and sardonic exterior versus her deeply felt emotions. —

Esther Newman, refinery29.com, 23 Oct. 2024 Six years later, this conceptually similar franchise — a hapless hero possessed by a wise-cracking symbiotic alien — clearly feels emboldened by the public’s embrace of Wade Wilson and his sardonic alter ego. —

Damon Wise, Deadline, 23 Oct. 2024 Aubrey Plaza ’s dry, sardonic onscreen persona might not be exactly consonant with the stereotypical image of a stadium-dwelling sports fan. —

Emma Specter, Vogue, 21 Oct. 2024 In the latest casting announcements, McKinney will appear in the comedy as George, CEO of Boppin’ Burger and the ad agency’s biggest client, while Darby guest stars as a sardonic, successful ad executive who always knows best. —

Etan Vlessing, The Hollywood Reporter, 9 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for sardonic

Recent Examples of Synonyms for sardonic

Adjective

As the group grows, so do the number of sarcastic or unserious posts and comments within it.

Tim Ryan, Newsweek, 18 Dec. 2024
His gibes at China on X were often aggressive and sarcastic.

Motoko Rich, New York Times, 15 Dec. 2024