Sardonic Meaning in English

word

US

sɑɹˈdɑnɪk

sar-DAH-nik

UK

sɑːdˈɒnɪk

sah-DON-ik

Definition

Showing disrespect or mocking someone in a dark, bitter, or sneering way, often with sharp or cutting humor.

Usage & Nuances

Formal and literary; stronger and more bitter than 'sarcastic'. Use to describe wit with a biting, mocking tone, not for gentle humor. Commonly paired with words like 'smile', 'remark', 'tone'.

• Spanish: sardónico - sarcástico (despectivo)
• Portuguese (BR): sarcástico (com desdém) - sardônico
• Portuguese (PT): sarcástico (com desdém) - sardónico
• Chinese (Simplified): 冷嘲的 - 挖苦的
• Chinese (Traditional): 冷嘲的 - 挖苦的
• Hindi: कटाक्षपूर्ण - व्यंग्यपूर्ण
• Arabic: ساخر (بتهكم) - لاذع
• Bengali: বিদ্রুপাত্মক - ব্যঙ্গাত্মক
• Russian: саркастический - язвительный
• Japanese: 皮肉な - 冷笑的な
• Vietnamese: mỉa mai - châm biếm cay độc
• Korean: 냉소적인 - 비꼬는
• Turkish: alaycı - iğneleyici
• Urdu: طنزیہ - تلخ طنز
• Indonesian: sinis - menyindir pedas

Example Sentences

He gave a sardonic smile when he heard the bad news.

basic

Her sardonic comments made everyone uncomfortable.

basic

He spoke in a sardonic tone.

basic

"Oh, great, another meeting," he said with a sardonic grin.

natural

He watched the chaos with a sardonic amusement.

natural

Her sardonic wit makes her popular at dinner parties.

natural