sardonic

[sahr-don-ik] / sɑrˈdɒn ɪk /

ADJECTIVE

sarcastic

Synonyms

STRONGEST

acerbic biting caustic derisive mocking mordant satirical

WEAK

arrogant bitter carping cynical disrespectful evil irascible mean nasty offensive salty scorching scornful sharp smart-alecky sneering taunting wise

Antonyms

STRONGEST

calm kind mild nice

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

But not all his work is overtly political, with many having a comic, or sardonic, message about society.

From BBC • Mar. 18, 2026

Ms. Ziegler’s sardonic humor flickers or flares in virtually every scene.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 12, 2026

Conspicuous lip color can, after all, signify a million things — from class status to sardonic camp.

From Salon • Feb. 19, 2026

But the marketing term has since taken a viral, sardonic turn.

From BBC • Jan. 17, 2026

He wore a black windbreaker and had a sardonic edge to him.

From "The 57 Bus" by Dashka Slater