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

Derived Forms

• sarˈdonicism, noun
• sarˈdonically, adverb

Other Words From

• sar·don·i·cal·ly adverb
• sar·don·i·cism noun
• un·sar·don·ic adjective

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

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)

Example Sentences

“He has a somewhat wry and sardonic relationship with the characters in the Third Age,” he says.

From Los Angeles Times

Ryder confirmed the duo’s ouster Friday on social media, making sardonic references to a marketing initiative the stations recently launched.

From Los Angeles Times

Trump lawyer John Lauro’s sardonic aside that the court’s direction was “clear” provoked laughter in the courtroom.

From Los Angeles Times

A series of sardonic novels and essay collections followed, stylistically varied but typically concerned with themes of exile and misogyny.

From Los Angeles Times

Not all his work is overtly political, though many having a comic, or sardonic, message about society.

From BBC

Related Words

• acerbic
• biting
• caustic
• derisive
• mocking
• mordant
• satirical