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sardonic
adjective
Synonyms
sarcastic, satiric, ironic, sardonic mean marked by bitterness and a power or will to cut or sting.
sarcastic implies an intentional inflicting of pain by deriding, taunting, or ridiculing.
satiric implies that the intent of the ridiculing is censure and reprobation.
ironic implies an attempt to be amusing or provocative by saying usually the opposite of what is meant.
sardonic implies scorn, mockery, or derision that is manifested by either verbal or facial expression.
Examples of sardonic in a Sentence
Word History
re-formation, with the suffix -ic entry 1, of earlier sardonian, from Greek sardónios, alteration (after Sardónios "Sardinian") of earlier sardánios "(of laughter or smiling) bitter, scornful" (of obscure origin) + -an entry 2
1638, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near sardonic
Cite this Entry
“Sardonic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sardonic. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.
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More from Merriam-Webster on sardonic
Nglish: Translation of sardonic for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of sardonic for Arabic Speakers
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