ironically

adverb

iron·​i·​cal·​ly ˌī-ˈrä-ni-k(ə-)lē 

also i-ˈrä-

1

: in an ironic manner

2

: it is ironic, curious, or surprising

Examples of ironically in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Yet, the culmination of her career, ironically, came back to family, with law itself. — Howard Cohen, Miami Herald, 27 Aug. 2026

This debate has been fiercely stifled by current politicians, including Sanae Takaichi—who is, ironically, the first female prime minister in Japanese history. — Séraphine Roger, Vanity Fair, 26 Aug. 2026

If the plans to destroy the theater are followed through, the process will, ironically, have to start with an excavation. — Julia Buckley, CNN Money, 24 Aug. 2026

Professor Tom Mather and correspondent David Pogue venture into tick habitat (ironically waving a white flag). — David Pogue, CBS News, 23 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1576, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for ironically

• ultrasonically
• harmonically
• laconically
• tectonically