sardonic

[ sahr-don-ik ]
See synonyms for: sardonicsardonicism on Thesaurus.com

adjective
  1. characterized by bitter or scornful derision; mocking; sneering; cynical; a sardonic grin.

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Origin of sardonic

1
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

Other words for sardonic

Other words from sardonic

  • sar·don·i·cal·ly, adverb
  • sar·don·i·cism, noun
  • un·sar·don·ic, adjective

Words Nearby sardonic

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How to use sardonic in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for sardonic

sardonic

/ (sɑːˈdɒnɪk) /


adjective
  1. characterized by irony, mockery, or derision

Origin of sardonic

1
C17: from French sardonique, from Latin sardonius, from Greek sardonios derisive, literally: of Sardinia, alteration of Homeric sardanios scornful (laughter or smile)

Derived forms of sardonic

  • sardonically, adverb
  • sardonicism, noun

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