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 The latest film comes nearly 15 years after viewers were first introduced to the British show's parade of posh characters like Robert Crawley (Hugh Bonneville), Lady Mary (Michelle Dockery), and the sardonic Dowager Countess (Maggie Smith). Christopher Rudolph, PEOPLE, 15 Sep. 2025 Dockery remembers Smith’s wit and sardonic humor on set—and her own Dowagerisms—fondly. Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 11 Sep. 2025 Meanwhile, the sardonic and calculating Dennis (Sweeney), who, based on a pre-accident romantic encounter with Rocky, seems to have a twink fetish, ingratiates himself into Roman’s life with a master plan. Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 4 Sep. 2025 Lazarus is comfortable knowing that his sardonic smack-talking can only give Belichick, and the team, more motivational fodder for next season. Sean Gregory, Time, 3 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for sardonic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sardonic
Adjective
  • His witty, sarcastic, and often controversial commentary is the soundtrack to a generation of wrestling fans.
    Andrew Ravens‎, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Sep. 2025
  • She’s matched wonderfully by Cooke, who leans into her actual Manchester accent to give Cherry a stroppy, sarcastic bent and whose body looks absolutely banging wrapped in an array of oxblood, maroon, and cerise minidresses.
    Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 10 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Mugs and satirical commemorative plates are some of the items that can be seen on display in a local gift shop.
    Callum Sutherland, Time, 16 Sep. 2025
  • The 2025 South Korean satirical black comedy thriller is co-written, produced and directed by Park Chan-wook (Decision To Leave, Old Boy, The Handmaiden).
    Joan MacDonald, Forbes.com, 14 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • These tools are thin, flimsy, and built with barbed notches on the side that are used to grabbing hair and break through soap scum or other debris to remove them from your drain.
    Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 18 Sep. 2025
  • Only those working at the listening station (kept separate from the rest of the compound with barbed wire and a guard shack) knew what was really going on.
    A.K. Whitney, Oc Register, 9 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Sardonic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sardonic. Accessed 21 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on sardonic

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