What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
ironic
Example
It's ironic that the firefighter's house burned down.
Example
Isn't it ironic that the traffic reporter got stuck in traffic?
sardonic
Example
His sardonic laugh echoed through the empty room.
Example
She made a sardonic comment about the terrible food at the party.
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Ironic is more commonly used than sardonic in everyday language. Ironic is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while sardonic is less common and has a more formal tone.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between ironic and sardonic?
Sardonic is more formal than ironic and is typically associated with a more serious or critical tone. Ironic can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
