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 Their circumlocutions were as entrancing as their ability to find the most precisely ironic words for difficult-to-name realities. Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2025 Which is to say the title of Portuguese director João Rosas‘ debut feature isn’t at all ironic: This droll, delightful romantic comedy is an ode to the good times that can be had amid and around heartache, and the healing that eventually comes out of that very conflict. Guy Lodge, Variety, 10 July 2025 His older brother, Shaquille Hollingsworth, said Harper's death is ironic, knowing his love of the water. Jade Jackson, IndyStar, 9 July 2025 This complaint is also ironic given PJM’s responsibility for transmission planning. David S. Lapp, Baltimore Sun, 7 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for ironic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ironic
Adjective
  • In oxygen-rich soil, microbes thrive, contributing to decay, and acidic pH levels erode natural materials like leather.
    Kameryn Griesser, CNN Money, 12 July 2025
  • The sharp, slightly sour sauce brought the fries back to life with an acidic, satisfying kick.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 10 July 2025
Adjective
  • Rufus Sewell, with his piercing eyes and severe features, will costar in Pride and Prejudice as the dry, cynical Mr. Bennet, Lizzy's father.
    Randall Colburn, EW.com, 1 Aug. 2025
  • The fact that there is a developing crisis does not emanate from Israeli decisions, but from a cynical game played by Hamas and the United Nations.
    Isaac Chotiner, New Yorker, 30 July 2025
Adjective
  • From lo-fi hip-hop to chamber pop, from acid funk to orchestral rock, the fingerprints remain.
    Philip Martin, Arkansas Online, 15 June 2025
  • The floors are done in chestnut-toned wood, with acid green carpets made from bamboo silk, while the VVIP suite has its own private sitting room.
    Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 11 June 2025
Adjective
  • Her portrayal of Diana gives this Amazonian princess the proper regal bearing, but Gadot proves to have a wonderfully wry sense of humor as the character continues to be amazed at how weird male mortals are.
    Tim Grierson, Vulture, 11 July 2025
  • He’s regarded as someone who’s down-to-earth, a tremendous teammate and a dressing room cutup thanks to his quick and wry sense of humour.
    Daniel Nugent-Bowman, New York Times, 1 May 2025
Adjective
  • Ritson sees a poignant connection between the big developments in Oscar’s life this episode.
    Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 28 July 2025
  • This episode is particularly poignant in light of the current assault against the Department of Education.
    Memoir Nation July 28, Literary Hub, 28 July 2025
Adjective
  • Made from Pinot Noir grapes, very dry, elegant in both taste and presentation.
    Lana Bortolot, Forbes.com, 30 July 2025
  • Leave compartments unzipped and let the backpack air dry.
    Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 29 July 2025
Adjective
  • And as trade speculation has risen, Harris reported a sarcastic one-word retort from the pitcher.
    Peter Chawaga, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 July 2025
  • Before Black millennial shorthand even existed, there was Maxine Shaw, Attorney at Law—fiercely ambitious, sarcastic, soft in all the right places—and unapologetically Black.
    Shelby Stewart, Essence, 22 July 2025
Adjective
  • The poem is part love quest, part account of Italy’s battles; in places profoundly serious, in places satiric.
    The New Yorker, New Yorker, 11 June 2025
  • Neither damning nor satiric, W. is oddly wistful, almost regretful — rare sentiments in a Stone film.
    Will Leitch, Vulture, 17 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Ironic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ironic. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on ironic

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