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 How ironic, though, that the better our technology has gotten, the less imaginative our films have become. Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 19 Dec. 2024 Other times the protective factor is more ironic: the eight-point star is simply a safe choice to avoid accusations of impropriety. Caitlyn Murphy, Hazlitt, 18 Dec. 2024 In another ironic twist, Kayce sells it for the ridiculously low price of $1.25 an acre, the original price his ancestors paid. Ana Rocío Álvarez Bríñez, The Indianapolis Star, 18 Dec. 2024 In ironic contrast to men’s envy, many women in the study coveted the relative lack of scrutiny men face regarding their appearance. Mark Travers, Forbes, 8 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for ironic 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ironic
Adjective
  • However, raisins don't make your mouth more acidic, which is one component in promoting cavities.
    Melissa Nieves, Verywell Health, 15 Jan. 2025
  • June • For camellia, citrus, gardenia, grape and other plants adapted to acidic soil: If leaves are yellowing (chlorotic) between green veins, plants may benefit from foliar or soil application of iron and zinc chelate and mulching.
    The San Diego Union Tribune, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Coming-of-age teen comedies were never quite as wonderfully cynical before this movie about four teenage girls whose lives are upended by the arrival of a new kid, played by Christian Slater.
    Brian Tallerico, Vulture, 8 Jan. 2025
  • Without any real prospect of serious concessions from Western states, the Taliban became cynical about ever gaining legitimacy on the world stage.
    Delaney Simon, Foreign Affairs, 2 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • 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
  • Last year, the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality fined Intel for failing to control air emissions of acid gases at its Hillsboro chip production facility.
    Arlene Blum, Forbes, 17 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
  • Staying dry in Dry January can be hard for some participants so an ice cream company is trying to step in with some frozen encouragement.
    Jeanette Hurt, Forbes, 6 Jan. 2025
  • MacKay’s droll speaking style failed to impress some voters but was a huge hit with his colleagues and the media because of his dry, self-deprecating sense of humor.
    Orlando Sentinel and South Florida Sun Sentinel Editorial Boards, Orlando Sentinel, 6 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • But Baldoni alleges that the Times ignored additional context in the same text exchange that indicates Nathan and Abel were joking and being sarcastic.
    Brian Welk, IndieWire, 31 Dec. 2024
  • Frustrated that people do not believe his consistent response to the same question, his tone grew sarcastic.
    Emmanuel Morgan, New York Times, 26 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • 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
  • 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

Thesaurus Entries Near ironic

Cite this Entry

“Ironic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ironic. Accessed 20 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on ironic

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