Synonyms of ironic

ironic

adjective

variants also ironical

as in acidic

marked by an often negative or mocking form of wit in which words are used to express something different to their literal meaning

a book written in an ironic style

an ironic sense of humor

Related Words

• acidic
• cynical
• acid
• wry
• poignant
• dry
• sarcastic
• satiric
• sardonic
• sour
• caustic
• trenchant
• spiky
• incisive
• cross
• corrosive
• flippant
• acerbic
• scathing
• facetious
• brisk
• barbed
• pungent
• mordant
• acrid
• snarky
• sharp-tongued
• tongue-in-cheek
• biting
• sourish
• tartish
• tart
• keen
• vitriolic
• cutting
• acrimonious
• acidulous
• smart-alecky
• smart-aleck
• resentful
• stringent
• bitter
• harsh
• severe
• sharp
• acerb
• smart-mouthed
• insincere
• scalding
• backhanded
• rough

Dissimilar Words

• mild
• gentle
• bland
• diplomatic
• polite
• smooth
• good-natured
• urbane
• gracious
• hospitable
• good-humored
• affable
• genial
• cordial
• suave
• sociable

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

Recent Examples of ironic

Turns out Porter voted over the weekend, in Newport Beach, which has a nice ironic ring to it, no? —Teri Sforza, Oc Register, 3 June 2026

Those artists were ironic and aloof, treating advertising and mass-media imagery as expressions of a broader fug of celebrity and consumerism. —Jeremy Lybarger, Artforum, 2 June 2026

Our nanny there, Victoria, chatted to us in the language of Lisbon, and my first ironic remark was made in Portuguese. —Joseph O’Neill, New Yorker, 1 June 2026

In an ironic move, the Democratic budget relies in part on a windfall created by those same high gas prices. —Dan Petrella, Chicago Tribune, 1 June 2026