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

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 ironic Occasionally, there are moments that verge on ironic humor. Nina Metz, Chicago Tribune, 6 Mar. 2025 That is ironic because most of the biggest new drama hits of the last two seasons, CBS‘ Tracker and Matlock and ABC‘s High Potential, all originated as standalone pilots. Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 4 Mar. 2025 The concentration of risk at the federal level has some ironic results. Roger Valdez, Forbes, 4 Mar. 2025 Funny without being ironic, and moving without being sentimental, Elliot never condescends to his characters or their situations. Jeremy Fassler, Vulture, 2 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for ironic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ironic
Adjective
  • Blueberries need a very acidic soil; have the soil pH checked before planting. 69.
    Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 Mar. 2025
  • Natural colors can be sensitive to heat, light, oxygen and changes in pH. Pigments extracted from berries, cabbage, and red radishes, for instance, may register as a purply-blue when used in a neutral-pH cookie dough but change to a pastel pink when added to an acidic lemonade.
    Ali Bouzari, Bon Appetit Magazine, 28 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • While his Late Night forerunner Letterman was probably the comedic polestar of Generation X—gruff, cynical, and biting the hand that fed—O’Brien became a bedrock influence for the next generation of Millennial comics.
    David Sims, The Atlantic, 22 Mar. 2025
  • And because Disney remakes of one sort or another just keep coming, from Mulan to Pinocchio to The Little Mermaid, the temptation to be cynical about them is enormous.
    Stephanie Zacharek, TIME, 21 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • But his prematurely craggy voice and melodies, combined with arrangement rooted in string bands, were nothing like the soft-rock dudes on the radio; if anything, Hurley was acid folk.
    David Browne, Rolling Stone, 18 Mar. 2025
  • For the Abe Lincoln tomato, for example — a century-old, disease-resistant red slicer with rich, slightly acid flavor — there is seed from listers in California, Nebraska, Maine, Illinois, Wisconsin, Iowa and New Jersey.
    Margaret Roach, New York Times, 15 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • The sense of incidence with which May ’68 plays out, far in the background, speaks to a film for which the political is of little importance, or at least one that reflects the political through wry non-confrontations.
    Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 20 Feb. 2025
  • The dialogue is alternately wry and poetic, trafficking in a deadpan magical realism, involving its bustling cast of colorful characters in a circular story, with events revisited via shifting perspectives and time frames.
    Jason Bailey, New York Times, 19 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • At that second, a song about anime boobs had never sounded sweeter and more poignant.
    Alphonse Pierre, Pitchfork, 28 Mar. 2025
  • The Great Unravelling For that reason, my visit with Nye was also poignant.
    Penny Abeywardena, Forbes.com, 27 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Hydrate mask for dry and thirsty hair: on sale for $11 Original price: $22 (Ulta) Sick of dry and brittle hair?
    Christopher Murray, Fox News, 19 Mar. 2025
  • According to Meteorologist Doug Kahn, a strong low pressure system rotating in the northern Plains collided with warm, moist air from the Gulf, while on its backside, cold, dry air was being funneled down.
    Monica Mercuri, Forbes, 19 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • These behaviors may include: Making sarcastic or pointed remarks.
    Mark Travers, Forbes, 14 Mar. 2025
  • His character is written as sharp-minded, witty, and sarcastic, according to the filmmakers.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 28 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Misery, a horror movie with a satiric streak, launched Bates’s film stardom.
    Tim Grierson, Vulture, 21 Feb. 2025
  • The real star of the show, though, is not the satiric script or the campy performances, but rather how each character brings their own unique approach to dressing for the corporate ladder.
    Christian Allaire, Vogue, 18 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Ironic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ironic. Accessed 2 Apr. 2025.

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