Synonym Chooser

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 Julie is a sardonic, supermarket cashier with sticky fingers and Chloe is a glamorous influencer with millions of adoring fans. Clare Mulroy, USA Today, 1 May 2025 At a time when the world seems increasingly divided into winners and losers, exploiters and suckers, Henry Johnson speaks with sardonic eloquence to our current moment in American life. David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 30 Apr. 2025 Burns’ cyclical, sardonic prose underscores the unnamed narrator’s defenselessness against neighborhood gossip that marks the Milkman’s unwanted attentions as consensual. Los Angeles Times, 14 Apr. 2025 Buy Now 06 of 14 'The Chosen and the Beautiful' by Nghi Vo Daisy’s longtime friend and sardonic golf-playing flapper Jordan Baker is a minor character in The Great Gatsby. Danielle Teller, People.com, 10 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for sardonic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sardonic
Adjective
  • Still, Ernst shared a sarcastic apology video after facing criticism from Democrats over her response to the town hall attendees' concerns.
    Savannah Kuchar, USA Today, 2 June 2025
  • The vibe, never exactly cheerful, and never leavened by a hint of even the most sarcastic sense of humor, takes a turn for the horrific one evening in the wake of the bawdy revels celebrating Tomek’s wedding.
    Jessica Kiang, Variety, 30 May 2025
Adjective
  • Neither damning nor satiric, W. is oddly wistful, almost regretful — rare sentiments in a Stone film.
    Will Leitch, Vulture, 17 Feb. 2025
  • All Systems Red is a legible introduction to Wells’ hyper-capitalist, playfully satiric galaxy.
    Rory Doherty, Time, 16 May 2025
Adjective
  • The other eight prisoners who escaped from their cell and hopped the barbed wire fence to freedom have all been recaptured.
    Peter D'Abrosca, FOXNews.com, 29 May 2025
  • Sneakers hang by their laces from barbed wire, dangling above two motorbikes.
    Stephanie Yang, Los Angeles Times, 27 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Sardonic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sardonic. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on sardonic

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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