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
The whimsical but wry perspective on Britishness that made the first two Paddingtons so watchable threatens to be intolerable when turned outward, like someone going from in-jokes to insult comedy.
—
Alison Willmore, Vulture, 14 Feb. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for wry
Alison Willmore, Vulture, 14 Feb. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for wry
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wry
Adjective
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And as trade speculation has risen, Harris reported a sarcastic one-word retort from the pitcher.—
Peter Chawaga,
MSNBC Newsweek,
28 July 2025
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Their dynamic is not entirely unlike that of the upstart Nomi and established Cristal in Showgirls or the sarcastic Devon and beatific Michaela in Sirens: On one hand, Sophie wants to be as confident and self-possessed as Margo, as comfortable in her own skin and her desires.—
Roxana Hadadi,
Vulture,
22 July 2025
Adjective
-
Making a brisk morning walk in the sun part of your daily routine can be a grounding, enjoyable experience.—
Ashley Olivine,
Verywell Health,
23 July 2025
-
When measuring the nation's collective fitness, the good news is Americans are more likely to take a brisk walk, play pickleball or lift weights.—
Ken Alltucker,
USA Today,
22 July 2025
Adjective
-
Ivor checked it, and then spotted the line of barbed wire threaded through the scrub.—
Anne Enright,
New Yorker,
27 July 2025
-
That speculative element is teased right there in the title: One of God’s best and brightest has been knocked from heaven by war’s tumult and is caught in a thatch of barbed wire.—
Ben H. Winters,
New York Times,
26 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
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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
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Its comedy is observational rather than overtly satirical, far less biting than other Judge creations like Idiocracy and Silicon Valley.—
Nicholas Quah,
Vulture,
25 July 2025
-
Letterman was a frequent critic of CBS, in a comedic but biting way.—
Bill Goodykoontz,
AZCentral.com,
18 July 2025
Adjective
-
Though some residents are not keen on seeing alligators in the wild, the animals are just as terrified of humans as humans are of them.—
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
2 Aug. 2025
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Clubs in the Saudi Pro League expressed their interest in signing Son, but the forward is keen on joining LAFC, where former Tottenham goalkeeper Hugo Lloris currently stars and where ex-Spurs great Gareth Bale won an MLS Cup.—
Jay Harris,
New York Times,
2 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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In failing health, Jarry had been on a liquid diet and so his request is often viewed as intentionally ironic.—
Scott Lafee,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
29 July 2025
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Recently, Reddit users discovered the agent could do something particularly ironic.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
28 July 2025
Adjective
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Made from Pinot Noir grapes, very dry, elegant in both taste and presentation.—
Lana Bortolot,
Forbes.com,
30 July 2025
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Leave compartments unzipped and let the backpack air dry.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
29 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Wry.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wry. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.
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