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sardonically

American  
[sahr-don-ik-lee] / sɑrˈdɒn ɪk li /

adverb

  1. in a way that is characterized by bitter or scornful derision; mockingly.

    She laughed and sardonically sang him a love song as she prepared to walk out of his life.


Other Word Forms

Etymology

Origin of sardonically

sardonic ( def. ) + -ally ( def. )

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.

See Examples For:

“The ones who aren’t creators or influencers see wearers as cringe,” Cohen said, sardonically summing up the general feeling of nonwearers as “Your life is not that cool, bro.”

From Slate Feb. 12, 2026

His sardonically bouncy song “Vietnam,” from his self-titled album released in 1969, was said to have been Bob Dylan’s favorite antiwar song.

From The Wall Street Journal Nov. 24, 2025

The inquiry’s own lead counsel asked sardonically whether she was “the unluckiest CEO in history”.

From BBC Nov. 15, 2024

“I can’t walk away from the big money and the constant praise,” Peters, one of Congress’ wealthier members, remarked sardonically.

From Los Angeles Times Dec. 6, 2023

He adjusted the tie in the mirror and now it seemed to him that his reflection was smiling at him, sardonically.

From "American Gods" by Neil Gaiman

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