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 The line is calculated to appeal to a clientele of women rather like Freud herself—bohemian, elegant, subtle, ironical. Rebecca Mead, New Yorker, 8 Sep. 2025 The ironic thing is that Meghan Markle’s With Love, Meghan has so far been considered low on controversy and drama. Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 4 Sep. 2025 Some senators characterized Miran’s nomination as ironic. Bryan Mena, CNN Money, 4 Sep. 2025 Those of us still battling it out in the print-journalism trenches can attest that there’s no shortage of ironic laughs to wring, as well, out of a fourth estate that’s in decline just when America needs it most. Judy Berman, Time, 3 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for ironic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ironic
Adjective
  • Rainwater reacts with carbon dioxide in the air and becomes slightly acidic, wearing away at rock exposed on the Earth’s surface.
    Peter Brannen, Quanta Magazine, 15 Sep. 2025
  • Producing such minerals in a lifeless place would probably require acidic conditions or high temperatures—and the area showed signs of neither.
    David W. Brown, New Yorker, 13 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Huang, also a professional military strategist and university professor, told the Washington Examiner that his party sees the DPP’s posturing as a cynical move to build domestic support without considering the long-term consequences.
    Timothy Nerozzi, The Washington Examiner, 16 Sep. 2025
  • That has often been misinterpreted as a cynical endorsement of warfare.
    Andreas Kluth, Twin Cities, 11 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • This touchscreen pod machine has a lot to offer, including rich, balanced, coffee; a whopping eight brewing sizes; one-touch presets for low-acid, Americano, iced coffee, and cold brew; plus customizable temperature control and brew strength.
    Mark Marino, Bon Appetit Magazine, 29 Aug. 2025
  • How does the new silver extraction method work The technology, known as Jet Electrochemical Silver Extraction (JESE), uses a fine stream of weak acid to dissolve silver directly from the panel surface in seconds—the acid stream targets only the silver, leaving everything else untouched.
    Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 15 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • The subtlety of Akerman’s concept and the wry tenderness of her approach are, however, merely a start.
    Richard Brody, New Yorker, 10 Sep. 2025
  • The movie is a wry look at the petty foibles of life, the fears and neuroses that can impede a person’s path to fulfillment and enlightenment.
    Richard Lawson, HollywoodReporter, 8 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Robinson had braces in the yearbook photo, a childlike image that made the moment all the more poignant.
    Davis Winkie, USA Today, 12 Sep. 2025
  • What would Season One have been like without those poignant glimpses of the Pacific surf?
    Spencer Whaley, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Soothing ingredients, including niacinamide, chlorella, calendula, aloe, and chamomile, ensure your skin isn’t stripped dry in the process.
    Sophia Panych, Allure, 16 Sep. 2025
  • Much of central Saskatchewan received less than half an inch of rainfall in April and May, leaving many wetlands dry.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 16 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • His witty, sarcastic, and often controversial commentary is the soundtrack to a generation of wrestling fans.
    Andrew Ravens‎, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Sep. 2025
  • She’s matched wonderfully by Cooke, who leans into her actual Manchester accent to give Cherry a stroppy, sarcastic bent and whose body looks absolutely banging wrapped in an array of oxblood, maroon, and cerise minidresses.
    Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 10 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Mugs and satirical commemorative plates are some of the items that can be seen on display in a local gift shop.
    Callum Sutherland, Time, 16 Sep. 2025
  • The 2025 South Korean satirical black comedy thriller is co-written, produced and directed by Park Chan-wook (Decision To Leave, Old Boy, The Handmaiden).
    Joan MacDonald, Forbes.com, 14 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Ironic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ironic. Accessed 17 Sep. 2025.

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