irony

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun irony differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of irony are humor, repartee, sarcasm, satire, and wit. While all these words mean "a mode of expression intended to arouse amusement," irony applies to a manner of expression in which the intended meaning is the opposite of what is seemingly expressed.

the irony of the title

When can humor be used instead of irony?

While the synonyms humor and irony are close in meaning, humor implies an ability to perceive the ludicrous, the comical, and the absurd in human life and to express these usually without bitterness.

a sense of humor

When is it sensible to use repartee instead of irony?

The words repartee and irony are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, repartee implies the power of answering quickly, pointedly, or wittily.

a dinner guest noted for repartee

Where would sarcasm be a reasonable alternative to irony?

The meanings of sarcasm and irony largely overlap; however, sarcasm applies to expression frequently in the form of irony that is intended to cut or wound.

given to heartless sarcasm

When is satire a more appropriate choice than irony?

The synonyms satire and irony are sometimes interchangeable, but satire applies to writing that exposes or ridicules conduct, doctrines, or institutions either by direct criticism or more often through irony, parody, or caricature.

a satire on the Congress

When could wit be used to replace irony?

While in some cases nearly identical to irony, wit suggests the power to evoke laughter by remarks showing verbal felicity or ingenuity and swift perception especially of the incongruous.

a playful wit

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 irony By the end of the 1990s, just about no recreational diver was using a mechanical watch anyways, so the whole idea of a mechanical dive watch today is a nostalgic exercise in postmodern irony. Allen Farmelo, Robb Report, 21 Nov. 2024 One of the biggest ironies is that President-elect Donald Trump wants to make the U.S. the crypto capital of the world. Ron Insana, CNBC, 21 Nov. 2024 And the irony is, indigenous communities that want to go home and protect their forests produce better carbon stats than the technocrats. Nemonte Nenquimo, WIRED, 29 Nov. 2024 The irony of Moreno leap-frogging his freshman colleagues is not lost on him, either. David Sivak, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 29 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for irony 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for irony
Noun
  • But the path down memory lane is twisted, and while trying to debunk the many laudatory myths that have grown up around him, Fife’s deteriorating mind just ends up creating more, a contradiction that Schrader conveys with a whole armory of experimental visual flourishes.
    Damon Wise, Deadline, 4 Dec. 2024
  • On the set, Selena is a living oxymoron, a daily contradiction: strong, fragile, determined, indeterminate, present, absent, sick, healthy as can be, chatty, quiet, etc.
    Jacques Audiard, IndieWire, 1 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • Their hope was to make guests feel an unadulterated sense of amusement while immersed in a warm and welcoming space.
    Sydney Gore, Architectural Digest, 13 Dec. 2024
  • Any release of tension is amazing — try to embrace the Sagittarius energy by having some amusement.
    Lisa Stardust, People.com, 27 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • And that paradox could generate deep divisions within the new administration and among congressional Republicans.
    Howard Gleckman, Forbes, 10 Dec. 2024
  • The paradox of our digital age is that as computers become smaller, the problems become bigger.
    David Szondy, New Atlas, 10 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • Many have judged both him and us based on accusations, conspiracy theories, and false narratives that have spiraled into absurdity on social media.
    Tom Rogers, Newsweek, 25 Nov. 2024
  • Brought to life through campy, surrealist sets and unforgettable cameos, the show takes the viewer through a series of dreamlike vignettes that brilliantly articulate the absurdity and tedium of life under late-capitalism.
    Samantha Allen, Them, 20 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • The incongruity between Tropicana’s decent home run but low fly ball park factor is nothing new.
    Tony Blengino, Forbes, 10 Oct. 2024
  • The contrasts didn’t hit him all at once, but more slowly — an accumulation of incongruities that built up over time.
    Sarah A. Topol, New York Times, 20 Sep. 2024
Noun
  • But to play to that dichotomy is a tightrope walk: lean too far one way and Indy becomes boring, either as too normal or a superhero.
    Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 10 Dec. 2024
  • The dichotomy is most evident in the two reception rooms on the first floor.
    Joelle Diderich, WWD, 5 Dec. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near irony

Cite this Entry

“Irony.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/irony. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

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