Crossword Genius

Conrad is awfully cynical (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

sardonic

'cynical' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'conrad is awfully' is the wordplay.
'awfully' indicates an anagram.
'conrad'+'is'='conradis'
'conradis' anagrammed gives 'SARDONIC'.

(Other definitions for sardonic that I've seen before include "Tart" , "Scornfully mocking" , "Cynical -- so rancid (anag)" , "Disdainfully or ironically humorous" , "Scornfully derisive" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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