Is there any real difference in meaning between 'cynical' and 'sardonic'?

Múinteoir

Or are they just two different ways to say exactly the same thing (nothing wrong with that, I might add). On consulting the dictionary, I fail to see any real difference. Or is one more emphatic than the other?

I've wondered about this for years and never thought to raise it with someone, until I was reminded of the word recently when one of the speakers at the funeral of the recently deceased TD, Tony Gregory, referred to his 'sardonic smile'. Is there any meaningful difference between this and a 'cynical smile'?

The Raven.

I would say that these two words are quite different in meaning.

The term ‘cynical’ usually describes a mistrust in the intelligence, motivation, and sincerity of intention of others.

The term ‘sardonic’ is the adjectival form of the noun ‘sardonicism’, which describes a cold, cruel or malicious laugh. Hence, a ‘sardonic smile’ would imply a more vindictive attitude rather than a passive scepticism.

However, I think that this term is a bit over the top in relation to Tony Gregory’s smile, which might at best be described as ‘cynical’ or ‘mischievous’.

Heggy

Cynical is skeptical and doubtful, while sardonic is mocking and derisive.