irony

noun

Definition of ironynext
as in contradiction
a situation that is strange or funny because things happen in a way that seems to be the opposite of what is expected We got a good chuckle seeing their tow truck being towed away, but our friends failed to see the irony.

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Synonym Chooser

How does the noun irony differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of irony are humor, repartee, sarcasm, satire, and wit. While all these words mean "a mode of expression intended to arouse amusement," irony applies to a manner of expression in which the intended meaning is the opposite of what is seemingly expressed.

the irony of the title

When can humor be used instead of irony?

While the synonyms humor and irony are close in meaning, humor implies an ability to perceive the ludicrous, the comical, and the absurd in human life and to express these usually without bitterness.

a sense of humor

When is it sensible to use repartee instead of irony?

The words repartee and irony are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, repartee implies the power of answering quickly, pointedly, or wittily.

a dinner guest noted for repartee

Where would sarcasm be a reasonable alternative to irony?

The meanings of sarcasm and irony largely overlap; however, sarcasm applies to expression frequently in the form of irony that is intended to cut or wound.

given to heartless sarcasm

When is satire a more appropriate choice than irony?

The synonyms satire and irony are sometimes interchangeable, but satire applies to writing that exposes or ridicules conduct, doctrines, or institutions either by direct criticism or more often through irony, parody, or caricature.

a satire on the Congress

When could wit be used to replace irony?

While in some cases nearly identical to irony, wit suggests the power to evoke laughter by remarks showing verbal felicity or ingenuity and swift perception especially of the incongruous.

a playful wit

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 irony With a cast drawn from comedy-scene friends such as Kate Berlant and Conner O’Malley all tuned into a very specific wavelength, the movie somehow surpasses conventional notions of camp and irony to exist in a genuinely unique space all its own. —Tracy Brown, Los Angeles Times, 14 May 2026 There’s a delightful irony to such a dark series of events starting with such an innocent-looking toy, and Barker knew that the movie needed a new addition to the wish-granting-objects canon. —Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 14 May 2026 Pratt, whose lyrics have always been critical of capitalism, is aware of the irony. —Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 14 May 2026 No one in the stadium seems aware of the irony. —Franklin Leonard, Vanity Fair, 14 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for irony
Recent Examples of Synonyms for irony
  1. contradiction
  2. amusement
  3. paradox
  4. absurdity
  5. incongruity
  6. dichotomy
Noun
  • This creates a fundamental contradiction.
    — Clemente Lisi, Forbes.com, 16 May 2026
  • The damage and acceptance that kind of internal contradiction can bring to a person over an extended period runs through every frame of Firstman’s film, and the result feels less like a conventional dramedy than a decade-long discovery unfolding in real time.
    — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 13 May 2026
Definition of contradiction
Noun
  • Fiesta Texas in San Antonio Fiesta Texas in San Antonio is both an amusement and water park, featuring thrilling roller coasters and rides for kids.
    — Natassia Paloma, USA Today, 15 May 2026
  • Families can enjoy boardwalk amusements in Old Orchard Beach, vintage arcades in York, and water parks in Saco.
    — Jacqueline Dole, Travel + Leisure, 14 May 2026
Definition of amusement
Noun
  • The installation presents a paradox by being a Hollywood idea that is completely un-Hollywood.
    — Marah Eakin, Los Angeles Times, 20 May 2026
  • As the retail world navigates the first half of 2026, a strange paradox has taken hold of the global fashion industry.
    — Elsa Ohlen, CNBC, 20 May 2026
Definition of paradox
Noun
  • While her defensive energy contributed to the team’s depth, a scoreless night highlighted the utter absurdity of the league elevating a backup guard over the most prolific scorer in basketball history, especially on a night when the team was already missing its star center.
    — Alejandro Avila OutKick, FOXNews.com, 18 May 2026
  • Some viewers even felt its liberal use of absurdity in fact grounded the show in the real world compared to the high-minded weepies on daytime, achieving honesty through nontraditional means.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 18 May 2026
Definition of absurdity
Noun
  • Nobody is more alive to the comic incongruity than the man himself.
    — Anthony Lane, New Yorker, 8 May 2026
  • During the talk, Brooks joked about the seeming incongruity of teaching courses in emotional realism under the shingle of a public policy school.
    — Erin Vanderhoof, Vanity Fair, 21 Apr. 2026
Definition of incongruity
Noun
  • This dichotomy, between the use of these devices and the actual charging process itself, is indicative of a larger problem.
    — Daniel Fusch, USA Today, 14 May 2026
  • There's a dichotomy shaping up in this midterm election year.
    — Domenico Montanaro, NPR, 9 May 2026
Definition of dichotomy

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Cite this Entry

“Irony.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/irony. Accessed 23 May. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on irony

Nglish: Translation of irony for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about irony

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