ironic

variants also ironical

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 role captured all of his ironic charm and misanthropic appeal within the kind of debonair character that the perennial everyman had never quite shown us before. David Sims, The Atlantic, 27 Feb. 2025 That makes the Daytona 500 flyover particularly ironic: The Daytona International Speedway has long served as a rallying point and campground for hundreds of power-restoration workers who have come to our aid in our times of greatest desperation. The Orlando Sentinel and Santa Cruz Sentinel Editorial Boards, Orlando Sentinel, 22 Feb. 2025 But in an ironic twist, the men Brafman mistook for Palestinians were actually Israelis. Lauren Costantino, Miami Herald, 20 Feb. 2025 How ironic that a color designed to help soldiers blend in is the ultimate sartorial hack for standing out. Tom Stubbs, Robb Report, 23 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for ironic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ironic
Adjective
  • The minerals transformed into alkaline magnesium oxide and calcium silicate, both of which react quickly with acidic CO2 in the air.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 2 Mar. 2025
  • Angelonia angustifolia Sun Exposure: Full Soil Type: Fertile, moist, well-draining Soil pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (5.5-6.8) USDA Hardiness Zones: 9 to 11 Commonly called summer snapdragon, this low-maintenance bloomer thrives in the heat and humidity of Southern gardens.
    Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 27 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • It’s packed with tough love, cathartic activities, and positive affirmations that won’t leave cynical folks rolling their eyes.
    Kristin Canning, SELF, 25 Feb. 2025
  • It’s been cool and cynical, surreal and silly, bold enough to make adolescents of all ages feel daring for staying up past 11:30 (or catching up on YouTube the next morning) and safe enough to keep advertisers and network executives happy.
    A.O. Scott, New York Times, 12 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Black dragons are the ultimate swamp monsters that shoot an acid breath attack.
    Rob Wieland, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025
  • The missing link between a so-so dish and a stellar one is often acid.
    Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 Jan. 2025
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
Adjective
  • As of March 4, the landing page is topped by the company's poignant crest (which includes a tribute to Prince Harry) with As ever in script and photos of the products that will be available for sale.
    Janine Henni, People.com, 4 Mar. 2025
  • The Emilia Pérez actress, 46, began her poignant speech by repeatedly calling out for her mother, who was seated in the audience at Sunday’s event.
    EW.com, EW.com, 3 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Sure enough, the inspector totaled 25 in a storage bag box on a kitchen dry storage rack; 20 on a rack next to the kitchen prep table; and three under the three-compartment sink.
    David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 7 Mar. 2025
  • For a shine boost: A spritz of diluted vinegar wiped with a dry microfiber cloth.
    Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 7 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Seinfeld is a Jewish man from New York’s Long Island with a wry and sarcastic sense of humor.
    Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Feb. 2025
  • Others lose a sense of trust by the sarcastic digs, eye rolls, interrupting, or belittling.
    Rachel Glik, Contributor, CNBC, 4 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Misery, a horror movie with a satiric streak, launched Bates’s film stardom.
    Tim Grierson, Vulture, 21 Feb. 2025
  • The real star of the show, though, is not the satiric script or the campy performances, but rather how each character brings their own unique approach to dressing for the corporate ladder.
    Christian Allaire, Vogue, 18 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Ironic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ironic. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.

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