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

Led by Gary Oldman’s flatulent and sardonic Jackson Lamb, the ‘slow horses’ of Slough House prove weirdly effective, often confounding MI5’s Second Desk Diana Taverner (Kristen Scott-Thomas) and, as of Season 4, its First Desk Claude Whelan (James Tallis). —Antonia Blyth, Deadline, 29 July 2025

Healy is known for his sardonic comments on stage by his fans, so this came as no surprise to them. —Lea Veloso, StyleCaster, 25 July 2025

There’s a warmth here, a generosity of spirit often absent from their more sardonic works. —Arkansas Online, 17 July 2025

Vera, the buzzy, brilliant and preternaturally observant ten-year-old central to Gary Shteyngart’s sardonic and profoundly relevant new novel, brings a fresh, necessary perspective to our evolving dystopian universe. —Jane Ciabattari july 8, Literary Hub, 8 July 2025