What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
sarcastic
Example
She made a sarcastic comment about his new haircut. [sarcastic: adjective]
Example
His tone was sarcastic when he said he was thrilled to work overtime. [sarcastic: adjective]
Example
He's known for his sarcastic sense of humor. [sarcastic: adjective]
sardonic
Example
She gave him a sardonic smile and walked away. [sardonic: adjective]
Example
His sardonic wit often got him into trouble with his coworkers. [sardonic: adjective]
Example
He used sardonic humor to cope with his difficult situation. [sardonic: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Sarcastic is more commonly used than sardonic in everyday language, and is more versatile in its usage. Sardonic is less common and often used in literary or artistic contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between sarcastic and sardonic?
Both sarcastic and sardonic are informal words, but sarcastic is more commonly used in casual conversation and can be employed in various formality levels, while sardonic is less versatile and often used in more artistic or literary contexts.
