tongue-in-cheek

1 of 2

adjective

: characterized by insincerity, irony, or whimsical exaggeration

tongue in cheek

2 of 2

adverb

: with insincerity, irony, or whimsical exaggeration

Examples of tongue-in-cheek in a Sentence

Adverb The whole interview was done tongue in cheek.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Adjective
These digital or printed artworks allow people to indulge in the grandeur of old-world portraiture with a tongue-in-cheek sense of fun. Lydia Patrick, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Sep. 2025 There’s a hint of tongue-in-cheek irony in the way Van Sant nods to his ‘70s influences, as well as in the needle drops that are scattered throughout the film. Katie Rife, IndieWire, 2 Sep. 2025
Adverb
But others have been more tongue in cheek. Tanyel Mustafa, Refinery29, 28 Aug. 2025 Given the state of the market, that was likely a tongue in cheek comment, but one thing’s for sure: people ARE buying. John Werner, Forbes.com, 28 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for tongue-in-cheek

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1899, in the meaning defined above

Adverb

1856, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of tongue-in-cheek was in 1856

Browse Nearby Words

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Cite this Entry

“Tongue-in-cheek.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tongue-in-cheek. Accessed 8 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

tongue-in-cheek

1 of 2 adjective
: not meant to be taken seriously

tongue in cheek

2 of 2 adverb
: in a tongue-in-cheek manner

More from Merriam-Webster on tongue-in-cheek

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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