Definition of SARDONIC

Examples of sardonic in a Sentence

“The Great War,” used interchangeably with “the First World War” (so named in 1918 by a sardonic English journalist, who knew it would not be the last such conflict) … —Benjamin Schwarz, Atlantic, May 1999
They have that brand of sardonic humor special to people up against it: black and wry and shocking … —Doris Lessing, New Yorker, 16 Mar. 1987
In a story by Flaubert, this spreading of cloths to save the carpet would be observed with a sardonic eye; in Lawrence it is bleakly practical. —Hugh Kenner, A Sinking Island, 1987
The movie is a sardonic look at modern life.
a sardonic little jab that made her visitor quiet and subdued for the rest of the night

Recent Examples of sardonic from the Web

The sardonic tones of the accompanying narration — voiced by someone whose identity will be revealed later on — are an early indication that Mr. Pitt may not be the hero of the story.

— a. o. scott, New York Times, "Review: ‘War Machine’: Brad Pitt Has Met the Enemy. He Just Doesn’t Know It Yet.", 25 May 2017
Then there are the art students, mostly YouTubing their sardonic take on art.

— momus, WIRED, "Hey, Art Museum, Give Me iPod Eye Candy!", 24 Apr. 2007

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'sardonic'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of sardonic

French sardonique, from Greek sardonios

First Known Use: 1638

sardonic Synonyms

Synonyms

acerb, acerbic, acid, acidic, acidulous, acrid, barbed, biting, caustic, corrosive, cutting, mordant, pungent, sarcastic, satiric (or satirical), scalding, scathing, sharp, smart-aleck, smart-alecky, smart-mouthed, snarky, tart

Near Antonyms

amusing, droll, merry, playful, sportive, waggish; gentle, mild; bland; good-humored, good-natured; diplomatic, polite, smooth, suave, urbane; affable, cordial, genial, gracious, hospitable, sociable

Synonym Discussion of sardonic

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. a critic known for his sarcastic remarks satiric implies that the intent of the ridiculing is censure and reprobation. a satiric look at contemporary society 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 sardonic implies scorn, mockery, or derision that is manifested by either verbal or facial expression. surveyed the scene with a sardonic smile

sardonic