Words / C2

sah-DON-ik/sɑːˈdɒnɪk/

Sardonic means humorous in a grim, mocking way: a sardonic smile. Sarcastic is everyday and often sharper, aimed at a person; ironic can be milder and more situational; wry is drier and less cruel. In speech, bitterly mocking or a grim joke is enough. Tone word: a sardonic remark can puncture pomposity or merely sneer. It is not a synonym for funny.

Meaning

Humorous in a grim, mocking way.

Examples

• “She gave a sardonic smile at the excuse.”
• “She gave a sardonic smile at the “family-friendly” cut that removed the parents.”
• “Sardonic asides kept the meeting awake and nobody quite trusted the minutes.”

Good to know

Grimly mocking humour. Everyday: bitterly mocking. Close: sarcastic (often more personal). Contrast: wry (drier). Not merely funny.

Near in meaning

sarcastic

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