0 humorous in an unkind way that shows you do not respect someone or something:
1 showing an amused attitude toward someone or something that suggests a criticism but does not express it:
a sardonic smile
Mildly sardonic, the chairman’s soft-spoken cross-examination embarrassed hostile witnesses without humiliating them.
He could be wry and sardonic about the claims of religious faith - but just as wary of metaphysical or ideological faith.
When he smiles (which is seldom), his demeanor is sardonic.
A two-note cell provides the thematic impetus behind the spectral central scherzo-like movement, which buzzes with sardonic vigour.
Crude, cruel, sardonic, verbally inventive and quickwitted in the arcane art of the political putdown, he has no peer.
Consider this sardonic extract to show the exploitation of patriotic appeal by advertising in the patent medicine business.
It is because he appreciates with me the beauty of the sardonic side of that scene.
He had a very wry, almost grim, sardonic sense of humour.
It is easy to make sardonic remarks or cynical observations about our past failures.
