What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
wry
Example
He gave a wry smile when he realized his mistake. [wry: adjective]
Example
She replied with a wry comment that made everyone laugh. [wry: adjective]
sardonic
Example
He made a sardonic comment about the situation, which made everyone uncomfortable. [sardonic: adjective]
Example
Her sardonic smile revealed her true feelings about the proposal. [sardonic: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Wry is more commonly used in everyday language, while sardonic is less common and more formal.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between wry and sardonic?
Sardonic is more formal and less commonly used in everyday language, while wry is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.
