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 Tonally, Regretting You is all over the place, a perfectly serviceable Hallmark movie subjected to unnecessary ironic smarts. Damon Wise, Deadline, 22 Oct. 2025 After James’s original TikTok, football teams like the 49ers, political groups, and ironic gay comedians all began using it for content. Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 21 Oct. 2025 This is ironic as wildfire emissions in 2020 essentially negated 18 years of reductions in greenhouse gas emissions from other sectors by a factor of two. Cole Marting, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 Oct. 2025 Judge Mark Pittman, in a sharply ironic four-page order on Thursday, encouraged the companies to relocate their headquarters to Fort Worth, given their preference for the antitrust lawsuit to be heard there. Dan Mangan,josephine Rozzelle, CNBC, 19 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for ironic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ironic
Adjective
  • Coffee is a naturally acidic beverage, and drinking it can affect the acid content in your stomach.
    Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, Health, 29 Oct. 2025
  • That Hedda has forged such a life for herself is a testament to her wiles — no one is more adept at delivering acidic barbs cloaked by a friendly hand on the shoulder.
    Abby Monteil, Them., 28 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Their sister Cynthia has a somewhat more cynical attitude, and the priceless body language that goes with it.
    Sheri Linden, HollywoodReporter, 27 Oct. 2025
  • Some complain that the boisterous, anthemic version on the album belies the cynical point of view of a Vietnam veteran.
    Bill Goodykoontz, AZCentral.com, 24 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Avoid an acid overload of tart and tangy (pickles and citrus), a bold flavor competition, sweet and funky flavors colliding (fruity jams and aged cheeses), and a clash of spicy meats and cheeses with delicate fruits and accompaniments.
    Catharine Kaufman, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Oct. 2025
  • Normally, acid from citrus is used to curdle the milk, before the solids are removed to leave a rich drink.
    Amarachi Orie, CNN Money, 3 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • But the same dry, wry, demented wit, as well as the pitiless looks at one of the rare species on Earth that walks on two legs and frets about their lattes being too hot, are present and accounted for.
    David Fear, Rolling Stone, 23 Oct. 2025
  • This tender, wry and thought-provoking story offers a different perspective on looking for love, regret and the ‘what if’ of it all.
    Leo Barraclough, Variety, 22 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • But for those crafting it with Boorman, the nightmare is more painful and more poignant than that.
    Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 24 Oct. 2025
  • But there’s something different — something more poignant — about watching this particular circle begin to vanish.
    Benjamin Svetkey, HollywoodReporter, 22 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Dry the countertops with a clean, dry cloth to prevent water spots.
    Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 29 Oct. 2025
  • Buff the area with a clean, dry cloth to finish.
    Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Justine Lupe plays Joanne’s sarcastic best friend, sister, sometimes-advisor and podcast co-host Morgan Williams.
    Skyler Trepel, PEOPLE, 25 Oct. 2025
  • As a model named Carl, stuck in a relationship corrupted by microcelebrity and Instagram view counts, Dickinson ticks with exasperation and sarcastic logic, his jaw clenched, his eyes wide and staring.
    Carrie Battan, Vulture, 6 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The satirical newscast’s correspondents have been taking turns filling in the rest of the week.
    Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 27 Oct. 2025
  • Court records show that SpaceX, the rocket company founded in 2002 by billionaire Elon Musk, has settled a lawsuit filed in 2024 by Cards Against Humanity, the maker of the popular satirical party game of the same name.
    Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 23 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Ironic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ironic. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.

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