sardonic
sar-DON-ikadjMeaning grimly mocking; scornfully amused
Memory hook SARDINE-ic: a grim grin, packed like SARDINES. Squashed into the train like a sardine in a can, Felix gives a grim grin: “Plenty of room, eh?” His humor is sardonic.
The tired reporter gave a sardonic laugh when the “quick” meeting entered its third hour.
In context After years of broken promises from the landlord about fixing the heat, Mr. Felix greeted the newest promise with a sardonic grin, as if to say he would believe it when he felt it.
Similar mocking, scornful, cynical, sarcastic
Opposite sincere, warm, earnest
From Greek sardonios, used of bitter, scornful laughter.