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 All of these possible, overlapping interpretations have made Orlok an ironic romance icon. Alex Abad-Santos, Vox, 10 Jan. 2025 This is quite ironic, considering the fact that, in real life, Rossellini is an outspoken advocate for embracing aging. Stacia Datskovska, WWD, 5 Jan. 2025 Romantic dramas often get the short end of the acclaim stick, but casting this film in the comedy pool is an ironic twist of fate for a film (and book) that serve as cautionary tales about making hasty judgments. Steven Zeitchik, The Hollywood Reporter, 4 Jan. 2025 Jimmy Butler’s implosion with the Miami Heat couldn’t be more ironic for Milwaukee Bucks’ fans. Brian Sampson, Forbes, 3 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for ironic 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ironic
Adjective
  • Sun exposure: Full sun to part shade Soil type: Well-draining, slightly acidic Camellias boast evergreen foliage and large, lush blooms in a variety of pink-ish colors ranging from hot pink to dark red.
    Arricca Elin SanSone, Southern Living, 26 Jan. 2025
  • Adding acidic ingredients like vinegar or tomatoes may also alter the texture and taste.
    Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, RDN, LD, Health, 21 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • And the video was a next-gen, next level piece of moviemaking, a cinema verité of the raping of the American farm, a vast, cynical travesty played out in broad daylight in Reagan’s twisted America.
    SPIN Editors, SPIN, 21 Jan. 2025
  • Yet, there is an equally compelling reality: the risks Israel now faces by entering a deal with a cynical terrorist group that has shown time and again its commitment to destruction, and not to peace.
    Michael Gfoeller And David H. Rundell, Newsweek, 16 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • The fires in Altadena and Pacific Palisades consumed not only trees, brush and timber from people’s homes but also lead acid car batteries, plastic pipes, synthetic furniture, paint and untold other potential sources of contamination.
    Jack Healy, New York Times, 20 Jan. 2025
  • Since azaleas are acid soil-loving plants, pine needles, aged pine bark, or leaf mold are ideal mulches.
    Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 19 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • 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
Adjective
  • As the comical and poignant episodes in the life of Michael Scott show, while good intentions are undoubtedly important, effective leadership requires adaptability, self-awareness and a focus on empowering others.
    Vibhas Ratanjee, Forbes, 15 Jan. 2025
  • Typhoid, transient, pregnant, poignant, glowing, galloping, parasite.
    John McPhee, The New Yorker, 13 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • According to one study, even in the extremely dry Martian atmosphere, the climatic conditions inside the volcanoes' craters are such that frost can form even though it's never been found elsewhere on Mars – even at the poles.
    David Szondy, New Atlas, 18 Jan. 2025
  • Meanwhile, Southern California's climate continues to ping-pong between unseasonably wet conditions, which grow vegetation and unseasonably dry conditions which dry all that out into fire fuel.
    David Faris, Newsweek, 18 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • If the landing is bad, applause would be insultingly sarcastic.
    Sydney Borchers, Fox News, 16 Jan. 2025
  • If someone calls you out for being sarcastic, here are some ways to recover and mend the miscommunication Be mindful of your filter.
    Anne Sugar, Forbes, 16 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Gad originated the role of Elder Cunningham alongside Andrew Rannells' Elder Price in a satiric look at two young missionaries' misguided attempts to spread the gospel in a small Ugandan village.
    Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 16 Jan. 2025
  • The show isn't satiric so much as amused by the absurd lengths to which the Kaylas of our society will go in pursuit of self-definition.
    Tom Gliatto, People.com, 10 Dec. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near ironic

Cite this Entry

“Ironic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ironic. Accessed 31 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on ironic

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