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

Examples 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 This is ironic given the labor shortage and the demand for creative, adaptable workers, qualities Disabled people inherently possess from navigating a world not designed for us. Keely Cat-Wells, TIME, 1 Nov. 2024 In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Wood opened up about his career trajectory which was nonetheless ironic itself. Skyler Caruso, People.com, 31 Oct. 2024 Leveraging private capital will help eliminate the ironic and self-defeating need to borrow from these same adversaries to close our budget shortfalls. Charles Beames, Forbes, 30 Oct. 2024 The toys teens and tweens play with, however, have to be mature, cute, thought-provoking, or just ironic. Toby Rose, Parents, 24 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for ironic 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ironic
Adjective
  • For You, Too An additional reason for elevating your chicken soup with lemon rather than other acidic ingredients is the health benefits.
    Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 27 Oct. 2024
  • They are made by adding an acidic compound to creatine to help creatine absorb better and provide other nutrients that support sports performance.
    Merve Ceylan, Health, 23 Oct. 2024
Adjective
  • Even at our most politically cynical, Americans would probably not want to have a king.
    Jack Butler, National Review, 5 Nov. 2024
  • Crystal’s Harry is a divorced lawyer with a cynical side that was based in part on Reiner, now 77, while Ryan’s Sally was based in part on Ephron.
    Victoria Edel, People.com, 29 Oct. 2024
Adjective
  • Magnesium interferes with bisphosphonates used for osteoporosis, antibiotics, diuretics, and proton pump inhibitors used for acid reflux.8 Potassium: The kidneys regulate potassium levels.
    Amy Brownstein, MS, RDN, Verywell Health, 31 Oct. 2024
  • This ensures that the acid and electrolyte levels in your blood (including sodium, calcium, phosphorus, and potassium) remain at the ideal concentration.
    Kumkum S. Patel, Verywell Health, 26 Sep. 2024
Adjective
  • 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
Adjective
  • For me, this idea to offer to the audience to use their imagination was poignant for my own story.
    Maximilíano Durón, ARTnews.com, 5 Nov. 2024
  • This story of a young boy confronting nature to save his village is both poignant and universal.
    Patrick Frater, Variety, 5 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • The three-layer design offers extra protection against spillage, ensuring that all the contents of your toiletry bag stay dry.
    Catherine Garcia, theweek, 12 Nov. 2024
  • An officer investigating the crash noted that the weather was cloudy and the road was dry at the time.
    NWA Democrat-Gazette, arkansasonline.com, 5 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Others rocked up in hazmat suits in a sarcastic swipe at China’s stringent Covid control measures, which saw Shanghai locked down for roughly two months and sparked rare protests.
    Chris Lau, CNN, 29 Oct. 2024
  • The sentiment is respectable — gun violence is bad — but the song’s satire feels half-baked because Martin just doesn’t have the sarcastic sensibility needed.
    Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 8 Oct. 2024
Adjective
  • Mann at his most satiric has Settembrini contributing an essay to a multivolume project whose purpose is to end suffering.
    George Packer, The Atlantic, 5 Nov. 2024
  • Others are satiric vignettes—pointed takedowns of sham humanitarians, sham foreign journalists, sham white saviors and their sham schemes to save the continent—whose villains can read more like stock inventions than like surprising ones.
    Alexis Okeowo, The New Yorker, 30 Oct. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near ironic

Cite this Entry

“Ironic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ironic. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on ironic

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