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 Vonnegut adopted the idea as inspiration for his sardonic 1963 novel Cat’s Cradle. Thomas Moynihan, Big Think, 15 Sep. 2025 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 See All Example Sentences for sardonic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sardonic
Adjective
  • As a model named Carl, stuck in a relationship corrupted by microcelebrity and Instagram view counts, Dickinson ticks with exasperation and sarcastic logic, his jaw clenched, his eyes wide and staring.
    Carrie Battan, Vulture, 6 Oct. 2025
  • Following the mother-daughter duo of Lorelai Gilmore, played by Lauren Graham, and Rory, played by Alexis Bledel, Gilmore Girls was perfectly made for millennials, packed with wistful romances, frustrating dramatic turns and just enough sarcastic jokes.
    Stephanie Sengwe, PEOPLE, 5 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • To be fair, some of the comments are also satirical.
    Bill Goodykoontz, AZCentral.com, 14 Oct. 2025
  • An effort last year to have the satirical site The Onion purchase Infowars through an auction process was initially rejected by a judge.
    Ted Johnson, Deadline, 14 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The actress is clearly relishing the opportunity to deliver Aaron Sorkin’s barbed dialogue (though perhaps not as much as Philip Seymour Hoffman, who steals the show as an explosive CIA functionary).
    Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 10 Oct. 2025
  • Watch this just for all the quick lands and barbed moments here alone.
    Andy Hoglund, Entertainment Weekly, 5 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

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

More from Merriam-Webster on sardonic

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