Dictionary

sardonic

adjective sar·don·ic \sär-ˈdä-nik\

: showing that you disapprove of or do not like someone or something : showing disrespect or scorn for someone or something

Full Definition of SARDONIC

:  disdainfully or skeptically humorous :  derisively mocking <a sardonic comment>
sar·don·i·cal·ly \-ni-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
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Examples of SARDONIC

  1. The Great War, used interchangeably with the First World War (so named in 1918 by a sardonic English journalist, who knew it would not be the last such conflict) … —Benjamin Schwarz, Atlantic, May 1999

Origin of SARDONIC

French sardonique, from Greek sardonios
First Known Use: 1638

Synonym Discussion of SARDONIC

sarcastic, satiric, ironic, sardonic mean marked by bitterness and a power or will to cut or sting. sarcastic implies an intentional inflicting of pain by deriding, taunting, or ridiculing <a critic known for his sarcastic remarks>. satiric implies that the intent of the ridiculing is censure and reprobation <a satiric look at contemporary society>. ironic implies an attempt to be amusing or provocative by saying usually the opposite of what is meant <made the ironic observation that the government could always be trusted>. sardonic implies scorn, mockery, or derision that is manifested by either verbal or facial expression <surveyed the scene with a sardonic smile>.

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