sardonic
Americanadjective
adjective
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of sardonic
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
Compare meaning
How does sardonic compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:
Explanation
If someone is being scornful and mocking in a humorous way, call her sardonic. If you want to write comic sketches for late-night talk shows, work on being sardonic. Sardonic comes from the Greek adjective Sardonios, which actually describes a plant from a place called Sardinia that supposedly made your face contort into a horrible grin...right before you died from its poison. The Greeks used sardonic for laughter, but we only use it when someone's humor is also mocking or ironic.
Vocabulary lists containing sardonic
The SAT: Words to Capture Tone, List 2
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
The New SAT: Words to Capture Tone
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
ACT Reading Test: Words to Capture Tone, List 4
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
This bit of wisdom is key to the lyrical character study that is “Body Language,” Meg Howrey’s sardonic, smart and powerful fifth novel.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 8, 2026
During those meetings he was known for tackling questions head-on, with a sardonic sense of humour.
From Barron's ● Aug. 12, 2026
Mr. Papaconstantinou writes passionately and with sardonic wit, bringing the reader into the rooms where the country’s fate was decided.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 27, 2026
Yet it was often the sardonic humour that drew the eye.
From BBC ● Jul. 22, 2026
She figures, in her sardonic way, she is part of a dynasty: “third-generation Georgine’s.”
From "Drama High" by Michael Sokolove
Random Word
Spin the wheel and learn a new word!
Get a wordDefinitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
