Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Disdainfully or ironically humorous; scornful and mocking: Expressing a form of humor that is grimly, cynically, or scornfully derisive, often with a bitter or sneering quality. It implies a mocking attitude that is skeptical and lacking in warmth.

Usage

The adjective "sardonic" describes a specific tone of humor, laughter, smile, remark, or expression. It is used to characterize a manner that is both humorous and contemptuous, often suggesting a dark or bitter amusement at the absurdity or folly of a situation. It is more severe and scornful than simply being "wry" or "ironic."

Examples

• Adjective:
  • She gave a sardonic smile when she heard the overly optimistic forecast.
  • His sardonic wit often made his colleagues uncomfortable.
  • The critic's review was filled with sardonic commentary on the film's pretensions.

Advanced Usage

• "sardonic humor/laughter": A type of humor that is mocking and grimly cynical.
  • The novel is known for its sardonic humor about political life.
• "sardonic remark/observation": A comment made in a scornfully mocking tone.
  • He couldn't resist making a sardonic observation about the failed plan.

Variants and Related Words

• Sardonically (adverb): In a sardonic manner.
  • He laughed sardonically at the suggestion.

Synonyms

• Cynical: Believing that people are motivated purely by self-interest; distrustful of human sincerity or integrity. (Shares the element of distrust but is less specifically about humor.)
• Mocking: Making fun of someone or something in a cruel way; derisive. (More directly focused on ridicule, less on grim humor.)
• Scornful: Feeling or expressing contempt or derision. (Emphasizes contempt, not necessarily humor.)
• Wry: Using or expressing dry, especially mocking, humor. (Similar but generally less bitter and more amused.)

Antonyms

• Sincere: Free from pretense or deceit; proceeding from genuine feelings.
• Earnest: Resulting from or showing sincere and intense conviction.
• Genuine: Truly what something is said to be; authentic.

Idioms and Fixed Phrases

• Sardonic grin/smile: A facial expression that conveys scornful, mocking amusement.
  • A sardonic grin spread across his face as he listened to the excuses.

Adjective

1. disdainfully or ironically humorous; scornful and mocking
   • his rebellion is the bitter, sardonic laughter of all great satirists- Frank Schoenberner
   • a wry pleasure to be...reminded of all that one is missing- Irwin Edman