Synonyms of irony

irony

noun

as in contradiction

a situation that is strange or funny because things happen in a way that seems to be the opposite of what is expected

We got a good chuckle seeing their tow truck being towed away, but our friends failed to see the irony.

Synonyms & Similar Words

• contradiction
• amusement
• paradox
• absurdity
• incongruity
• funniness
• dichotomy
• ridiculousness
• humor
• fun
• humorousness
• ludicrousness
• peculiarity
• illogicality
• spoof
• enjoyment
• takeoff
• whimsicality
• satire
• pleasure
• comedy
• richness
• wryness
• laughableness
• playfulness
• comicality
• parody
• wittiness
• drollery
• farce
• drollness
• hilariousness
• jocularity
• comic
• burlesque
• lampoon
• caricature
• slapstick
• uproariousness
• jokiness
• jest
• waggishness

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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of irony

Here is the irony, though: The fiction writer’s craft, the instrument of his trade, revolves around the conjuring of untruths. —Abubakar Adam Ibrahim, The Dial, 4 Mar. 2025

Fans couldn't help but see the irony after Moore, an industry veteran, lost to Madison, a much younger star who is relatively unknown. —Brendan Morrow, USA TODAY, 3 Mar. 2025

The irony with this laissez-faire attitude is that the talent who might help elevate these stories are no longer interested in being a part of them. —Harrison Richlin, IndieWire, 1 Mar. 2025

The historical irony of an order, essentially a government edict, striking so hard at one of the nation’s 35 accredited TCUs, or Tribal Colleges & Universities, does not escape him. —Eric Adler, Kansas City Star, 25 Feb. 2025