sardonic

adjective

sär-ˈdä-nik How to pronounce sardonic (audio)
Definition of sardonicnext
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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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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

Example 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 Another is his employer, Maloney, a flamboyantly sardonic publisher whose pornographic magazine has grown popular in defiance of (or perhaps due to) the country’s censorship laws. — Sam Sacks, Harper's Magazine, 2 Jan. 2025 After showcasing a sardonic streak on SUCKERPUNCH, Moriondo lets the dark humor simmer on the track while the listener is urged to hum along. — Jason Lipshutz, Billboard, 19 Feb. 2025 The black-and-white clip featured the late John Belushi, dressed as an old man, walking around a graveyard memorializing his co-stars with goofy, sardonic epitaphs; Belushi, of course, preceded most of them in death, giving the comedy a somber tone. — Esther Zuckerman, The Atlantic, 17 Feb. 2025 The movie follows sardonic Indian American podcast host Vinita Malhotra (Kiran Deol) through romantic and familial reunions as her show celebrates its 100th episode. — Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 29 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for sardonic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sardonic
  1. sarcastic
  2. satiric
  3. barbed
Adjective
  • These behaviors may include: Making sarcastic or pointed remarks.
    — Mark Travers, Forbes, 14 Mar. 2025
  • His character is written as sharp-minded, witty, and sarcastic, according to the filmmakers.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 28 Feb. 2025
Definition of sarcastic
Adjective
  • Misery, a horror movie with a satiric streak, launched Bates’s film stardom.
    — Tim Grierson, Vulture, 21 Feb. 2025
  • The real star of the show, though, is not the satiric script or the campy performances, but rather how each character brings their own unique approach to dressing for the corporate ladder.
    — Christian Allaire, Vogue, 18 Feb. 2025
Definition of satiric
Adjective
  • There were no trees nearby, just rows and rows of tan and olive-green tents erected on cement and surrounded by airport hangars, porta-potties, barbed wire, and guard towers.
    — Edwidge Danticat, The New Yorker, 9 Mar. 2025
  • Additionally, the walls were covered in barbed wire, and the balcony had a large privacy wall.
    — Olivia B. Waxman, TIME, 7 Mar. 2025
Definition of barbed

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Cite this Entry

“Sardonic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sardonic. Accessed 25 Mar. 2025.

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