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.

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 Yet behind the earnest lyrics there is also a wry, self-deprecating streak of irony. —Katie Marie Davies, Christian Science Monitor, 11 June 2025 While each participant in the JV fell away as companies pursued their own independent strategies, the irony is that a Hulu-style coming together of legacy players is now coalescing as media giants grapple with the costs and murky financials of streaming compared with the lucrative pay-TV business. —Dade Hayes, Deadline, 9 June 2025 In a Carson appearance, George points up the irony of being considered controversial in a country that had Liberace. —David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 9 June 2025 Today, Waggoner's top tip for young entrepreneurs has a hint of irony to it: Don't listen to everything you're told, the 34-year-old CEO says. —Natalie Wu, CNBC, 3 June 2025 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
  • About a century ago, scientists were struggling to reconcile what seemed a contradiction in Albert Einstein’s theory of general relativity.
    — Rob Coyne, The Conversation, 10 June 2025
  • The tax gets at a fundamental issue within Trump’s policy agenda: a contradiction in the broad strokes of Trump simultaneously trying to tax imports and foreign profits at higher rates while also seeking investments from companies headquartered abroad.
    — Josh Boak, Los Angeles Times, 10 June 2025
Definition of contradiction
Noun
  • Nintendo is capitalizing on the launch with the opening of a store in San Francisco and the Super Nintendo World amusement facility in Orlando, Florida, both set for this month.
    — Ayaka Mcgill, Chicago Tribune, 5 June 2025
  • The amusement part was divided into the Alpine Center, Water World and Motor World.
    — Angela Andaloro, People.com, 28 May 2025
Definition of amusement
Noun
  • Business owners and employees alike are living through a paradox.
    — Duane Tursi, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025
  • Discounting any of the various potential paradoxes and possible multiversal implications of the deed, Jeb Bush leapt headlong into this hypothetical (take your pick) DeLorean, phone booth, Tardis, or Wellsian steampunk contraption with a knife in hand.
    — Jack Butler, National Review, 8 June 2025
Definition of paradox
Noun
  • The violence is always relentless, always builds, to a point of absurdity, where exaggeration becomes the point, and the joke.
    — Armond White, National Review, 11 June 2025
  • Of all the absurdity in these films, that’s your issue?
    — Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 5 June 2025
Definition of absurdity
Noun
  • Already concerned about the incongruity of having a comic yukking it up with what was happening with the AP and other outlets, the WHCA scrapped her.
    — Ted Johnson, Deadline, 27 Apr. 2025
  • Kirby’s incongruity is terrifying, so said someone much wiser than me.
    — Mitch Wallace, Forbes.com, 10 May 2025
Definition of incongruity
Noun
  • The public health experts said Kennedy's actions are setting up a dichotomy on public health.
    — Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 6 June 2025
  • The prior paragraph notwithstanding, 59 Productions breaks the dichotomy between individuals and duos.
    — Ben Zauzmer, HollywoodReporter, 3 June 2025
Definition of dichotomy

Browse Nearby Words

ironstone chinas
irony
irradiate
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Cite this Entry

“Irony.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/irony. Accessed 19 Jun. 2025.

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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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