What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
sardonic
Example
She gave him a sardonic smile before walking away. [sardonic: adjective]
Example
His sardonic comments made everyone in the room uncomfortable. [sardonic: adjective]
cynical
Example
He was cynical about politicians and their promises. [cynical: adjective]
Example
Her cynical outlook on life made it hard for her to trust anyone. [cynical: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Cynical is more commonly used than sardonic in everyday language. Cynical is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while sardonic is less common and refers to a specific type of humor or tone.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between sardonic and cynical?
Both sardonic and cynical are typically associated with an informal tone. However, cynical can also be used in formal contexts to describe a negative or skeptical attitude towards people or institutions.
