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View synonyms for sardonic

sardonic

[ sahr-don-ik ]

adjective

  1. characterized by bitter or scornful derision; mocking; sneering; cynical;

    a sardonic grin.

    Synonyms: contemptuous, mordant, biting



sardonic

/ sɑːˈdɒnɪk /

adjective

  1. characterized by irony, mockery, or derision
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012


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Derived Forms

  • sarˈdonicism, noun
  • sarˈdonically, adverb
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Other Words From

  • sar·don·i·cal·ly adverb
  • sar·don·i·cism noun
  • un·sar·don·ic adjective
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Word History and Origins

Origin of sardonic1

First recorded in 1630–40; alteration of earlier sardonian (influenced by French sardonique, ) from Latin sardoni(us) or directly from Greek sardónios “of Sardinia” + -an; alluding to a Sardinian plant which when eaten was supposed to produce convulsive laughter ending in death
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Word History and Origins

Origin of sardonic1

C17: from French sardonique, from Latin sardonius, from Greek sardonios derisive, literally: of Sardinia, alteration of Homeric sardanios scornful (laughter or smile)
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Compare Meanings

How does sardonic compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

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Example Sentences

Instead, he was more likely to take a sardonic view of the demands of love.

Adam Honoré’s lush lighting — smoky hues of amber, gold and blue — complements Sonnenblick’s sumptuous score, which is highlighted by the heartfelt “The Mercy of Love,” the boisterous “Wallace Falls” and the cleverly sardonic “My Boy in Blue.”

He has a knack for combining the spiritual and sincere with the sardonic and self-deprecating.

From Time

Depending on the part, he can give gravitas, sardonic wit, boyish twinkly humor, or a combination of the three.

Supplementing Bourdain’s words are a handful of essays by friends, colleagues, and family that tell even deeper stories about a place, including sardonic accounts of traveling with Bourdain.

From Fortune

“Louie has a typical day”—that's the log line, sardonic and perfect.

Matchless English style, very funny in parts, wonderfully sardonic, yet sympathetic observation of the chaos of war.

A pantomime horse plays a role, as does a sardonic hand puppet.

Ebert was celebrated for the sardonic wit and democratic writing style he employed in his reviews.

Alan Arkin also provides an award-worthy turn as Lester Siegel, a sardonic, over-the-hill movie mogul who helps in the mission.

Just smiled, a sardonic sort of grimace, and unbuckled his belt and handed it over without a word.

Then the frown was smoothed away; a sardonic smile replaced it; another cup of wine he poured himself.

Countless dogs fought under the feet of passers-by, and over all leered the sardonic face of Jean Bart, pirate and privateer.

The attitude in which I was, my hands clasped round my knees, consorted with sardonic merriment.

A sardonic smile played over the white lips of Azenor the Pale.

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sardiussardonically