ironic

variants also ironical
Definition of ironicnext

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 It is made all the more ironic because Roman Rashada is the older brother of Jaden Rashada, whose high-profile fraud lawsuit over his recruitment to Florida became one of the most prominent legal disputes of the NIL era. Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 17 June 2026 Also, in an ironic move from Democrats, their budget relies in part on a windfall created by those same high gas prices. Olivia Olander, Chicago Tribune, 16 June 2026 Jane Austen and Charles Dickens were both masters of comedy, but the contrast between her ironic understatement and his histrionic exaggeration reflects profoundly different personalities and life experiences, in which class and gender played an important part. Adam Kirsch, The Atlantic, 15 June 2026 The Next Frontier That the private market revolution is being led by a company focused on cosmic exploration is ironic, considering how few investors were believers when the field was getting started two decades ago. Bloomberg, Mercury News, 11 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for ironic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ironic
Adjective
  • Some require extreme heat or highly acidic conditions.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 25 June 2026
  • Blooming from late spring to summer and growing well in USDA Zones 7 to 11, gardenias prefer bright, indirect light, acidic, consistently moist soil, and regular feeding with an acidic fertilizer.
    Gemma Johnstone, The Spruce, 22 June 2026
Adjective
  • Traditionally cynical and perceptive commentators—not to mention a lot of tired citizens—found themselves, in some accounts, overcome by an unexpected wave of patriotic sentimentality that washed away, at least for a moment, their gnawing doubts.
    Christopher Hooks, Harpers Magazine, 23 June 2026
  • Heston is at his most gleefully cynical as Robert Thorn, a police detective who lives and works in a New York City decimated by environmental deterioration and dwindling resources.
    Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 23 June 2026
Adjective
  • Soft water contains few minerals and is acid.
    Steve Bender, Southern Living, 20 June 2026
  • So, this is like an acid trip for me.
    Glenn Garner, Deadline, 20 June 2026
Adjective
  • Co-created by Seinfeld and Larry David, the sitcom was a massive hit in the ’90s thanks to its wry dissection of social norms, and the talents of costars Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Jason Alexander, and Michael Richards.
    Britt Hayes, Entertainment Weekly, 17 June 2026
  • Chocolate brings it home with a punch line—a wry observation to end the story with a laugh.
    Joseph Trinidad, Longreads, 16 June 2026
Adjective
  • This scene is funny as well as poignant because Albert was played by the late Rob Reiner.
    Jen Chaney, Vulture, 26 June 2026
  • The most poignant moment came later in the day when the client visited George Michael’s final resting place.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 24 June 2026
Adjective
  • Combine gin, lime juice, syrup, Aperol and dry Curaçao in a shaker filled with ice.
    Angela Hansberger, AJC.com, 25 June 2026
  • Although oil companies still needed to use up a significant portion of their inventories during the supply shock, the demand destruction kept crude stockpiles from running dry.
    David Goldman, CNN Money, 25 June 2026
Adjective
  • Conversely, Charles Johnson expressed irate objections, and Renato Moicano offered sarcastic remarks.
    Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 23 June 2026
  • There’s the yellow, blue-nosed beaver Norb (Nick Bakay) — witty, sophisticated, sarcastic, and opinionated.
    Skyler Trepel, Entertainment Weekly, 20 June 2026
Adjective
  • The student was referencing a line from the 1974 satirical film Blazing Saddles, a movie co-written by Richard Pryor.
    Marybeth Gasman, Forbes.com, 21 June 2026
  • Early says that the movie takes much of its aesthetic and satirical cues from director Paul Verhoeven’s films Showgirls (1995) and Starship Troopers (1997).
    CT Jones, Rolling Stone, 20 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Ironic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ironic. Accessed 27 Jun. 2026.

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