Synonyms of sardonic

sardonic

adjective

sär-ˈdä-nik 

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• sarcastic
• satiric
• barbed
• acidic
• acid
• acerbic
• caustic
• biting
• scathing
• cynical
• corrosive
• ironic
• mordant
• pungent
• acrid
• snarky
• acidulous
• sharp
• tart
• smart-aleck
• smart-alecky
• smart-mouthed
• cutting
• wry
• harsh
• blunt
• acerb
• incisive
• concise
• sour
• trenchant
• scalding
• poignant
• flippant
• spiky
• brisk
• dry
• facetious
• cross
• gruff
• severe
• sharp-tongued
• vitriolic
• tongue-in-cheek
• brusque
• curt
• pithy
• abrupt
• keen
• bitter
• resentful
• terse
• acrimonious
• succinct
• stringent
• sourish
• tartish
• snippy
• crisp
• backhanded
• insincere
• rough
• snippety

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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

Recent Examples of sardonic

But what scanned like sardonic pomposity was actually a reflection of the regard in which the Duruttis were held by their label. —Brad Shoup, Pitchfork, 24 Jan. 2026

Last season of Tell Me Lies, Hulu’s soapy, sardonic drama about a toxic on-and-off relationship between college students Lucy Albright (Grace Van Patten) and Stephen DeMarco (Jackson White), ended with a bang—literally. —Savannah Walsh, Vanity Fair, 13 Jan. 2026

However, a touch of sardonic levity has always been part of Panahi’s storytelling. —Carlos Aguilar, Los Angeles Times, 6 Jan. 2026

And her unfailing ability to give the perfect little sardonic wink and nod extends beyond her social media content and even beyond her impeccable performances in projects like Netflix's Too Much. —Meg Walters, InStyle, 4 Jan. 2026