The crossword answer for “grimly mocking or cynical” is SARDONIC (8 letters).

Likely main answer

  • SARDONIC – defined in multiple crossword clue databases as “grimly cynical” or “dry, cynically mocking.”
  • It fits:
    • Meaning: harsh, bitterly mocking, with a grim edge.
* Length: 8 letters, which is how this clue is usually set.

Related clue variants

Crossword references group “grimly cynical” with other mocking or cynical tones such as:

  • SARCASTIC – cynical or mocking in speech (9 letters).
  • DERISIVE – scornfully mocking (8 letters).
  • WRY – grimly witty (3 letters).

But when the exact clue is “grimly mocking or cynical” (especially 8 letters), SARDONIC is the standard solution.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.