ironic

adjective

variants also ironical
Definition of ironicnext
as in acidic
marked by an often negative or mocking form of wit in which words are used to express something different to their literal meaning a book written in an ironic style an ironic sense of humor

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word ironic different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of ironic are sarcastic, sardonic, and satiric. While all these words mean "marked by bitterness and a power or will to cut or sting," ironic implies an attempt to be amusing or provocative by saying usually the opposite of what is meant.

made the ironic observation that the government could always be trusted

When is sarcastic a more appropriate choice than ironic?

The meanings of sarcastic and ironic largely overlap; however, sarcastic implies an intentional inflicting of pain by deriding, taunting, or ridiculing.

a critic known for his sarcastic remarks

When would sardonic be a good substitute for ironic?

The words sardonic and ironic are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, sardonic implies scorn, mockery, or derision that is manifested by either verbal or facial expression.

surveyed the scene with a sardonic smile

When is it sensible to use satiric instead of ironic?

In some situations, the words satiric and ironic are roughly equivalent. However, satiric implies that the intent of the ridiculing is censure and reprobation.

a satiric look at contemporary society

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of ironic The Studio doesn’t lead with wry, ironic cleverness. —Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 25 Mar. 2025 That’s ironic considering 77% of the IRA’s clean energy and deployment investment have gone to Congressional districts represented by Republicans, and likely the reason 21 GOP Members of the House of Representatives oppose repealing them. —Energy Innovation: Policy and Technology, Forbes, 23 Mar. 2025 There would soon be an ironic twist to the situation. —Tony Baranek, Chicago Tribune, 21 Mar. 2025 Roger Craig Smith has a fear of being on a ledge, which is ironic considering he’s renowned for featuring in Assassin’s Creed, a gaming franchise that makes players climb around on very high rooftops. —Joshua Lamb, Forbes, 19 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for ironic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ironic
  1. acidic
  2. cynical
  3. acid
  4. wry
  5. poignant
  6. dry
  7. sarcastic
  8. satiric
Adjective
  • Make sure the soil is well-drained and acidic with pH levels ranging between 4.5-6.0. Consider laying down mulch to help the plants retain more moisture.
    — Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 8 Apr. 2025
  • The warmer temperatures on the ocean surface are more acidic, which favors algae.
    — CNN.com Wire Service, Mercury News, 7 Apr. 2025
Definition of acidic
Adjective
  • Val did something special with a typical 1980s cynical rebel/wisecracker role, giving his character a layer of big brother warmth.
    — KiMi Robinson, USA Today, 2 Apr. 2025
  • On the movie front, Viola Davis is an endangered POTUS in G20, Tom Hardy plays a cynical detective in Havoc, and documentary subjects include the Stranger Things stage production, the Milwaukee Brewers’ 1982 season and the Disney cult classic A Goofy Movie.
    — Ryan Schwartz, TVLine, 31 Mar. 2025
Definition of cynical
Adjective
  • Alice in Wonderland is the exception with a $1 billion global take, made with the acid stylings of Tim Burton and Johnny Depp when the latter was hot as hell in a pre-streaming 2010.
    — Anthony D'Alessandro, Deadline, 31 Mar. 2025
  • The company is a leading supplier of liquid and dry, acid and bicarbonate concentrates for dialysis patients in the United States.
    — Quartz Intelligence Newsroom, Quartz, 20 Mar. 2025
Definition of acid
Adjective
  • The sense of incidence with which May ’68 plays out, far in the background, speaks to a film for which the political is of little importance, or at least one that reflects the political through wry non-confrontations.
    — Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 20 Feb. 2025
  • The dialogue is alternately wry and poetic, trafficking in a deadpan magical realism, involving its bustling cast of colorful characters in a circular story, with events revisited via shifting perspectives and time frames.
    — Jason Bailey, New York Times, 19 Feb. 2025
Definition of wry
Adjective
  • This post contains details about the Yellowjackets, Season 3 episode ‘How the Story Ends’ As Yellowjackets fans mourn the Showtime series’ latest shocking death, the loss is especially poignant for the woman behind the team.
    — Glenn Garner, Deadline, 9 Apr. 2025
  • However, what many fans do agree on is the power of how a middle-aged women's friendship group's narrative concluded—with a poignant realization on friendship and aging.
    — Raja Krishnamoorthi, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Apr. 2025
Definition of poignant
Adjective
  • Warmer temperatures in Kansas City’s forecast After the rain, the Kansas City area will enter a quiet, dry period as temperatures warm into the weekend.
    — Robert A. Cronkleton, Kansas City Star, 9 Apr. 2025
  • Gentle moisturizers: Your skin might feel dry, tight, and flaky, especially when the rash starts to scab.
    — Alisa Hrustic, SELF, 9 Apr. 2025
Definition of dry
Adjective
  • Always down to gossip and party, Redmond exudes Gemini's energy through his zesty and sarcastic attitude.
    — Lisa Stardust, People.com, 31 Mar. 2025
  • This is not just a sarcastic take but a practical one.
    — Jaron Lanier, The New Yorker, 22 Mar. 2025
Definition of sarcastic
Adjective
  • That’s the premise of Douglas Is Cancelled, a cruelly funny 2024 BBC sitcom that seems very much in sync with satiric comedies such as The Office and W1A and Yes Minister.
    — Air Mail, Air Mail, 22 Mar. 2025
  • Misery, a horror movie with a satiric streak, launched Bates’s film stardom.
    — Tim Grierson, Vulture, 21 Feb. 2025
Definition of satiric

Browse Nearby Words

ironhearted
ironic
ironing
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Ironic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ironic. Accessed 15 Apr. 2025.

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