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

White tie first emerged in the earlier days of the Victorian Era (around 1840), ironically as a more minimalist counter to the more outré evening dress of the day. —Vogue, 27 Mar. 2026

Staffers have protested the building where negotiations are taking place — which is, ironically, the SAG-AFTRA building — for more than a week. —Katie Kilkenny, HollywoodReporter, 26 Mar. 2026

Some communities, including Braddock – ironically, where Andrew Carnegie began his steelmaking empire in the 1870s – remain among the poorest in the nation. —Christopher Briem, The Conversation, 25 Mar. 2026

Part of that is, ironically, due to casting controversies including unexpected, post-season revelations about contestants on both sides of the rose. —Rachel Treisman, NPR, 20 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1576, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for ironically

• ultrasonically
• canonically
• laconically
• tectonically