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 Iris’s self-abasement, found in Nunez’s ironic vision, is something new for Millennial movies. Armond White, National Review, 2 Apr. 2025 The ironic bits and poignant moments rarely gel and a focus on redundant innuendos takes precedence over character development and a meaningful storyline. Lovia Gyarkye, HollywoodReporter, 2 Apr. 2025 This is an ironic stance, considering the fact that the people pushing this narrative, predominantly white heterosexual men, have benefited from nepotism, legacy admissions and other unearned privileges throughout all of American history. Jameelah Nasheed, Essence, 1 Apr. 2025 The mood is a mix of ironic and sincere in equal measure, with plenty of pastiche and a heavy appreciation for the profundity of cultural detritus. Savannah Sobrevilla, New York Times, 7 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for ironic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ironic
Adjective
  • Crisp, acidic and linear aromas of grapefruit, green apples, melon, candy cane and lemon grass; slight lime and salt.
    Tom Mullen, Forbes.com, 21 Apr. 2025
  • Most veggies prefer slightly acidic soil, but these crops thrive in more alkaline gardens.
    Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Lee’s cynical cardsharp of a brother, Julius (Jacob Elordi), was meant to be part of that dream move, but the call of gambling takes Julius to Las Vegas instead.
    Robert Abele, Los Angeles Times, 25 Apr. 2025
  • Now, posters are more cynical and there’s a fatalist bent to the conversations that wasn’t there before.
    Fortesa Latifi, Rolling Stone, 22 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The acid content of these foods irritates your child's skin, causing redness that can look like a rash.6 Viruses and Bacterial Infections Certain viral or bacterial infections may cause multiple symptoms around the mouth, including a rash.
    Wendy Wisner, Health, 18 Apr. 2025
  • Roy Ayers, the jazz vibraphonist whose smooth fusion planted the seeds of acid jazz and neo soul, died Wednesday at the age of 84.
    Stephen Thomas Erlewine, Rolling Stone, 6 Mar. 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
  • An especially poignant moment was when a close friend provided a check with the payee line left blank, demonstrating immense trust and support.
    Geri Stengel, Forbes.com, 23 Apr. 2025
  • As the world mourns the death of Pope Francis, a poignant video from Easter Sunday is being remembered as the pontiff's final farewell.
    Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Rain could aid firefighting efforts and saturate dry fuels, reducing their risk of igniting in the future.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Apr. 2025
  • The command center overhead stocked a whole town’s worth (450 tonnes) of equipment — including bunk beds, dry toilets, water, and other supplies — ready to be mobilized into the tunnels below by way of dolly carts.
    Jessi Jezewska Stevens, The Dial, 24 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Goldberg continued before asking her co-hosts their opinions in a sarcastic tone.
    Liza Esquibias, People.com, 24 Apr. 2025
  • Where Jackie is sarcastic, cynical, and all sharp edges, Zoey is enthusiastic and warm.
    Maggie Fremont, Vulture, 21 Apr. 2025
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

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Cite this Entry

“Ironic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ironic. Accessed 1 May. 2025.

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