as in sarcastic
marked by the use of clever and often dark humor
The writer had a wry wit that was something of an acquired taste.
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Recent Examples of wry
Perhaps Cronin’s biggest ally in his bid to keep coaching is his wry sense of humor.
—
Ben Bolch, Los Angeles Times, 13 Dec. 2024
From time to time over the years, polls and pollsters have piqued the wit and wry humor of many cartoonists.
—W. Joseph Campbell, Fortune, 29 Oct. 2024
But though there are wry laughs to be had, from the exquisite awkwardness of the setup alone, Babygirl was received by many as a comedy, which trivializes the extraordinary atmosphere that Reijn creates.
—Damon Wise, Deadline, 30 Aug. 2024
Though the subject matter is serious, the execution is wry, especially when Martin’s mother Linda (Lisa Kudrow, sharply hilarious) chimes in.
—Tanya Melendez, EW.com, 6 Apr. 2024
See All Example Sentences for wry
Ben Bolch, Los Angeles Times, 13 Dec. 2024
From time to time over the years, polls and pollsters have piqued the wit and wry humor of many cartoonists.
—W. Joseph Campbell, Fortune, 29 Oct. 2024
But though there are wry laughs to be had, from the exquisite awkwardness of the setup alone, Babygirl was received by many as a comedy, which trivializes the extraordinary atmosphere that Reijn creates.
—Damon Wise, Deadline, 30 Aug. 2024
Though the subject matter is serious, the execution is wry, especially when Martin’s mother Linda (Lisa Kudrow, sharply hilarious) chimes in.
—Tanya Melendez, EW.com, 6 Apr. 2024
See All Example Sentences for wry
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wry
Adjective
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Practically speaking, Pegasus is intelligent and resourceful, sarcastic and strong-minded, with a sharp personality and a quick wit.—
EW Staff,
EW.com,
27 May 2025
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Still, Ernst shared a sarcastic apology video after facing criticism from Democrats over her response to the town hall attendees' concerns.—
Savannah Kuchar,
USA Today,
2 June 2025
Adjective
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Examples include moderate or brisk walking, water aerobics, doubles tennis, slow cycling, or ballroom dancing.—
Heather Jones,
Verywell Health,
30 May 2025
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The sun peeked out, but brisk winds were blowing and temperatures only climbed to the high 40s near the lakefront.—
Susan DeGrane,
Chicago Tribune,
23 May 2025
Adjective
-
Louisiana Attorney General's Office via AP The group of inmates escaped by yanking open a faulty cell door, removing a toilet, crawling through a hole and scaling a barbed wire fence in the early morning hours when a lone guard left to get food.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
9 June 2025
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Washington, of course, knows all of this and has responded with barbed words.—
Daniel DePetris,
Chicago Tribune,
27 May 2025
Adjective
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Robbins will play Russell Kind, a rough and grizzled settler with a cynical world view.—
Rosy Cordero,
Deadline,
12 June 2025
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Of course, given the ubiquity of such ambitious politicians of all flavors, everywhere, all the time, the charge of cynical opportunism has fairly short legs.—
Dain Fitzgerald,
The Washington Examiner,
6 June 2025
Adjective
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As always, Danan’s voice is hysterically funny, her characters’ exhibiting a wry and biting sense of humor.—
Maureen Lee Lenker,
EW.com,
19 May 2025
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Fey’s writing usually has a reputation of being more on the biting or sardonic side, but The Four Seasons trades out the eye rolls for loving looks (mostly).—
Tom Smyth,
Vulture,
15 May 2025
Adjective
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In this wider advice industry, opinion circulates between and in front of strangers, who become keen observers of others’ shocking revelations.—
Merve Emre,
New Yorker,
16 June 2025
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To guide those keen to experience the healing power of the sea, all-inclusive holiday experts at Travel Republic have analyzed data to reveal the saltiest seas–and therefore the best for ocean therapy.—
Rebecca Ann Hughes,
Forbes.com,
16 June 2025
Adjective
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But things inevitably take a darker, violent turn that results in tragedy and a supremely ironic ending.—
Frank Scheck,
HollywoodReporter,
9 June 2025
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When the former Pro Bowl wideout came across a post on X that suggested the signing of Rodgers was ironic, considering the Steelers just moved off of George Pickens for reportedly causing issues behind the scenes, Bryant came in agreement to defend the new Cowboys wideout.—
Justin Grasso,
MSNBC Newsweek,
7 June 2025
Adjective
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Honey can also soothe those struggling with dry scalps or skin diseases such as eczema.—
Celeste Polanco,
Essence,
10 June 2025
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Strain out the ice then add the ingredients back to the shaker for a vigorous dry shake to help build a rich foam.—
Jillian Dara,
Forbes.com,
10 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Wry.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wry. Accessed 19 Jun. 2025.
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