ironic

variants also ironical

Synonym Chooser

How is the word ironic different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of ironic are sarcastic, sardonic, and satiric. While all these words mean "marked by bitterness and a power or will to cut or sting," ironic implies an attempt to be amusing or provocative by saying usually the opposite of what is meant.

made the ironic observation that the government could always be trusted

When is sarcastic a more appropriate choice than ironic?

The meanings of sarcastic and ironic largely overlap; however, sarcastic implies an intentional inflicting of pain by deriding, taunting, or ridiculing.

a critic known for his sarcastic remarks

When would sardonic be a good substitute for ironic?

The words sardonic and ironic are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, sardonic implies scorn, mockery, or derision that is manifested by either verbal or facial expression.

surveyed the scene with a sardonic smile

When is it sensible to use satiric instead of ironic?

In some situations, the words satiric and ironic are roughly equivalent. However, satiric implies that the intent of the ridiculing is censure and reprobation.

a satiric look at contemporary society

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of ironic The title of Kenneth Rogoff’s 2009 bestselling book, This Time Is Different, was meant to be ironic. Kevin Coldiron, Forbes.com, 7 May 2025 And the attitude and look of the New York Dolls attitude informed L.A. glam a decade and a half later, which is ironic, probably more ironic than the Brooklyn Dodgers moving to L.A. Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 5 May 2025 And yet, in an ironic twist, the attorney general’s office may end up benefiting from the flood of legal talent entering the job market as a result of Trump’s tactics. Michael Wilner, Los Angeles Times, 1 May 2025 Which is sort of ironic, given the current goals of the administration. Camila Domonoske, NPR, 1 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for ironic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ironic
Adjective
  • Some also claim that tomatoes turn out sweeter in less acidic soil, though the sugar content of a tomato may have more to do with that.
    Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 16 May 2025
  • Prep the Soil Watermelons are heavy feeders that need full sun, well-draining and slightly acidic soil, and lots of nutrients to grow.
    Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 May 2025
Adjective
  • Is this a cynical attempt to rescue their party from a political free fall?
    John Opdycke, The Orlando Sentinel, 21 May 2025
  • And so Lee’s reinterpretation strains to leave us on a high instead of a low, as befits the finale of an update so compellingly eager to flip the script on one of Kurosawa’s most cynical films.
    David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 19 May 2025
Adjective
  • Also, eating large quantities of food can lead to increase acid production and acid reflux.
    Hannah Yasharoff, USA Today, 19 Apr. 2025
  • Gastrointestinal Symptoms Fish oil may stimulate acid production in the stomach, which can cause heartburn or indigestion—especially if taken on an empty stomach.
    Amy Brownstein, MS, RDN, Verywell Health, 7 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • He’s regarded as someone who’s down-to-earth, a tremendous teammate and a dressing room cutup thanks to his quick and wry sense of humour.
    Daniel Nugent-Bowman, New York Times, 1 May 2025
  • The sense of incidence with which May ’68 plays out, far in the background, speaks to a film for which the political is of little importance, or at least one that reflects the political through wry non-confrontations.
    Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 20 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Still, Benny’s struggles are emotionally poignant, and once Carmen figures out his secret, the show is able to go to some interesting places.
    Nina Metz Chicago Tribune, Boston Herald, 16 May 2025
  • Over 50 Indigenous designers took part in the weekend, each one debuting avant-garde creations with a poignant cultural flair.
    Christian Allaire, Vogue, 13 May 2025
Adjective
  • This higher elevation, combined with low to moderate levels of rainfall, temperature, and dry weather, all come together to form a pretty ideal environment for growing wine grapes.
    Amanda Ogle, Travel + Leisure, 18 May 2025
  • While much of Sunday will remain dry, scattered thunderstorms are expected to develop from 2-6 p.m., mainly across eastern Kansas before pushing into western Missouri.
    Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 17 May 2025
Adjective
  • While the jeers towards Xhaka followed the midfielder, Arsenal’s captain at the time, retaliating to sarcastic cheers from the crowd at him being replaced in an October 2019 home match against Crystal Palace, those directed at Eboue were due to his performance.
    Carl Anka, New York Times, 14 May 2025
  • His first half was littered with increasingly ridiculous highlights: a lefty hook over Isaiah Hartenstein, a potpourri of 3s with hands in his face, a sarcastic stare-down after his defender tried taking a charge, followed by a pass to himself off the backboard to simplify the finish.
    Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 13 May 2025
Adjective
  • That’s the premise of Douglas Is Cancelled, a cruelly funny 2024 BBC sitcom that seems very much in sync with satiric comedies such as The Office and W1A and Yes Minister.
    Air Mail, Air Mail, 22 Mar. 2025
  • Misery, a horror movie with a satiric streak, launched Bates’s film stardom.
    Tim Grierson, Vulture, 21 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Ironic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ironic. Accessed 24 May. 2025.

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