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

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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 Ultimately, Latinos are reduced to side characters, save for Benicio del Toro's sardonic karate sensei. —

Gustavo Arellano, Houston Chronicle, 25 Mar. 2026 Ultimately, Latinos are reduced to side characters, save for Benicio del Toro’s sardonic karate sensei. —

Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 17 Mar. 2026 Her comments drew some undeservedly sardonic criticism online for their apparent disconnect to winning a 250 semifinal, but that was perhaps the point. —

James Hansen, New York Times, 2 Mar. 2026 Cynical and sardonic, Emma is a bright and caring veterinarian who lives at home in a coven with her vampire parents, Charles and Liz. —

Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 9 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sardonic

Recent Examples of Synonyms for sardonic

Adjective

Now, in a more intimate setting, the sullen and sometimes-sarcastic shadings of this longtime singer-songwriter should hark back to Folds’ fledgling days on the alt-music scene.

— David L. Coddon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 May 2026
In addition to Miranda's scathing remarks to Andy (Anne Hathaway) while trying to complete seemingly impossible tasks, Emily (Emily Blunt) and Nigel (Stanley Tucci) taught her how to navigate office politics with their own sarcastic comments.

— Christopher Rudolph, PEOPLE, 3 May 2026

Definition of sarcastic

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sarcophagus

sardonic

sash

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“Sardonic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sardonic. Accessed 23 May. 2026.

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Synonyms of sardonic

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