SARDONIC Synonyms: 89 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

sardonic

adjective

sär-ˈdä-nik

Definition of sardonic

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

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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 As the lone male intern, Leonard, Zolghadri gets to be a bit more sardonic and removed, but the actor loved watching how every character’s journey unfolded in hyper-specificity. — Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 9 Sep. 2026 It was set among criminal types in Chicago rather than London, but with similarly lovable/hateful characters presented in a similarly sardonic mode. — Literary Hub, 9 Sep. 2026 It is loosely based on his 2000 memoir Kitchen Confidential, which revealed the raw chaos of restaurant kitchens in Bourdain's signature sardonic humor. — Brittney Melton, NPR, 14 Aug. 2026 But Cheekface will still be here, filtering our depraved mutterings into sardonic bangers. — Zach Schonfeld, Pitchfork, 3 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sardonic

Recent Examples of Synonyms for sardonic

Adjective

The interest has been driven largely by the brand's casual, sarcastic tone and active participation in online trends.

— Megan Sauer, CNBC, 13 Oct. 2026
Before the constant stream of sarcastic Ultron commentary wears out its welcome around the series’ halfway point, the bad guy’s brevity is a nice counterpoint to all of the sentient ennui.

— David Fear, Rolling Stone, 12 Oct. 2026

Definition of sarcastic

Adjective

Minnesota Timberwolves player Anthony Edwards has brought back his satirical Believe That Awards, which went viral in 2025 — reaching 150 million cross-platform views — for crowning Timothée Chalamet white boy of the year.

— Selome Hailu, Variety, 15 Oct. 2026
The Cockroach movement began as an online satirical campaign this summer after India’s chief justice compared unemployed young people to parasites.

— ABC News, ABC News, 11 Oct. 2026

Definition of satiric

Adjective

Attorneys for the country music icon’s estate claimed Seaver covered his front porch in barbed wire and yellow caution tape, thus delaying the formal delivery of the suit.

— Allison DeGrushe, StyleCaster, 6 Oct. 2026
Their long, barbed tongues can easily wind into ant and termite homes, licking up the bugs inside.

— Lauren Penington, Denver Post, 4 Oct. 2026

Definition of barbed

Adjective

Descaling solution is an acidic liquid that reacts with—and therefore breaks down—alkaline mineral build ups that happen over time wherever tap water sits or flows.

— Emily Farris, Bon Appetit Magazine, 13 Oct. 2026
The Bongulo Paneer — cooked in bamboo — with a coconut and capsicum poriyal blends peanut chutney with acidic gongura sour cream and fiery gunpowder.

— Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of acidic

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sarcophagus

sardonic

sash

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“Sardonic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sardonic. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of sardonic

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