Advertisement

Advertisement

View synonyms for

sardonic

[ sahr-don-ik ]

adjective

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

    a sardonic grin.

    Synonyms: , ,



sardonic

/ ɑːˈɒɪ /

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
Discover More

Derived Forms

  • ˈDzԾ, noun
  • ˈDzԾ, adverb
Discover More

Other Word Forms

  • ·Dz··· adverb
  • ·Dz·· noun
  • ܲ··Dz· adjective
Discover More

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 óԾDz “of Sardinia” + -an; alluding to a Sardinian plant which when eaten was supposed to produce convulsive laughter ending in death
Discover More

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)
Discover More

Compare Meanings

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

Discover More

Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

Burns’ cyclical, sardonic prose underscores the unnamed narrator’s defenselessness against neighborhood gossip that marks the Milkman’s unwanted attentions as consensual.

From

But a few of the new season’s best characters are wholly original, including Catherine O’Hara’s Gail, Eugene’s gloriously sardonic wife who takes on the mixed bag of being the only therapist in Jackson.

From

He conjured the sardonic guru Mr. Natural, a tiny sex fiend called the Snoid and other sweaty, anxious creatures, human and otherwise.

From

The first half takes place in Los Angeles, driven by a narrative voice that is at turns sardonic, hilarious and yearning.

From

Her protagonists are mostly women coming into their own or facing down middle age with both a keen sense of the sardonic and a deep reservoir of self-compassion.

From

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement


sardiussardonically