wried; wrying
: to pull out of or as if out of proper shape : make awry
1
: bent, twisted, or turned usually abnormally to one side
a wry nose
2
: made by a deliberate distortion of the facial muscles often to express irony or mockery
a wry smile
4
: cleverly and often ironically or grimly humorous
a wry wit
wryness
noun
Examples of wry in a Sentence
Adjective
His books are noted for their wry humor.
When I asked her how she felt after winning the race, she gave me a wry smile and said, “Pretty tired.”
Recent Examples on the Web
Jordan Mintzer, HollywoodReporter, 19 Feb. 2026
But Fleming leaps past other wry wordsmiths with his constant, unrelenting effort to wring every last drop of laughter out of every single premise.
—John Roy, Vulture, 19 Feb. 2026
Her collection of speculative essays, Stranger Faces, a 2020 National Book Critics Circle criticism finalist, showcases her wry wit and wide range of cultural interests, from Derrida to Keanu Reeves.
—Literary Hub, 17 Feb. 2026
If the acknowledgement from those in attendance wasn’t enough, Bubic punctuated his impending return — from a left rotator cuff strain — with a simple nod and wry smile.
—Kansas City Star, 15 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for wry
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Adjective
The film’s wry brand of sadness at times recalls the work of Aki Kaurismäki, although Covi and Frimmel rarely mimic the Finnish auteur’s deadpan style of humor.
—Jordan Mintzer, HollywoodReporter, 19 Feb. 2026
But Fleming leaps past other wry wordsmiths with his constant, unrelenting effort to wring every last drop of laughter out of every single premise.
—John Roy, Vulture, 19 Feb. 2026
Her collection of speculative essays, Stranger Faces, a 2020 National Book Critics Circle criticism finalist, showcases her wry wit and wide range of cultural interests, from Derrida to Keanu Reeves.
—Literary Hub, 17 Feb. 2026
If the acknowledgement from those in attendance wasn’t enough, Bubic punctuated his impending return — from a left rotator cuff strain — with a simple nod and wry smile.
—Kansas City Star, 15 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for wry
Cite this Entry
“Wry.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wry. Accessed 21 Feb. 2026.
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