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 Italian Brainrot Meme, Explained Italian Brainrot is a semi-ironic trend popularized by Gen Alpha, using AI image generators to spew out an absurd, nonsensical cast of characters. Dani Di Placido, Forbes.com, 19 Sep. 2025 My point is that the formal elements of art can have a meaning irreducible to what a work says, and also that form and style very frequently stand in an ironic relationship to propositional content. Garth Greenwell, Harpers Magazine, 19 Sep. 2025 The ironic thing is that, if anything, Jeremiah’s actions are pretty normal for an actual 22-year-old guy. Stephanie McNeal, Glamour, 18 Sep. 2025 But Rejection does not hide behind the ironic, the provocative, the self-consciously confrontational. Robert Rubsam, Vulture, 18 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for ironic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ironic
Adjective
  • Since iron availability depends on an acidic environment, this reduces its absorption.
    Jillian Kubala, Health, 7 Oct. 2025
  • British yelper Yungblud released his debut in 2018 and has been cultivating a fervent fanbase for his ambitious, acidic music in the years since, but his co-sign from Ozzy Osbourne before the metal titan’s death this summer and his ambitious album Idols raised his profile in the wider rock world.
    Maura Johnston, Rolling Stone, 6 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Anyone proposing to offer a master class on changing the world for the better, without becoming negative, cynical, angry or narrow-minded in the process, could model their advice on the life and work of pioneering animal behavior scholar Jane Goodall.
    Preston Fore, Fortune, 2 Oct. 2025
  • The reason is simple, if cynical.
    Jasmin Malik Chua, Sourcing Journal, 30 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Drinking coffee may stimulate an increase in acid production in the stomach.
    Carrie Madormo, Verywell Health, 6 Sep. 2025
  • This touchscreen pod machine has a lot to offer, including rich, balanced, coffee; a whopping eight brewing sizes; one-touch presets for low-acid, Americano, iced coffee, and cold brew; plus customizable temperature control and brew strength.
    Mark Marino, Bon Appetit Magazine, 29 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • After Erling Haaland scored his 50th Champions League goal a fortnight ago, a wry tweet went viral.
    James Horncastle, New York Times, 30 Sep. 2025
  • In the video, Lynch also incorporated some wry fourth-wall break deadpans to the camera, capturing the essence of her feelings.
    Tabitha Parent, PEOPLE, 30 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • In a particularly poignant moment in the film, Jiang stands by the window at night and pretends to capture and punch the shadow of a security guard downstairs.
    Yangyang Cheng, NPR, 4 Oct. 2025
  • Another Taylor Swift album, another poignant Track 5 to listen to on repeat.
    Megan McCluskey, Time, 3 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • This innovative dry shampoo isn’t designed to just absorb oil and create that all-too-familiar gritty feeling on your strands.
    Jessie Quinn, StyleCaster, 7 Oct. 2025
  • The Columbia Men's Newton Ridge Plus II Waterproof Omni-heat Boots are currently 25 percent off and will keep feet dry and warm during hikes year-round.
    Anne Taylor, Travel + Leisure, 7 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Following the mother-daughter duo of Lorelai Gilmore, played by Lauren Graham, and Rory, played by Alexis Bledel, Gilmore Girls was perfectly made for millennials, packed with wistful romances, frustrating dramatic turns and just enough sarcastic jokes.
    Stephanie Sengwe, PEOPLE, 5 Oct. 2025
  • Viewers on Reddit were amused by the extortionate price shown for the vacation deal in the recent post, with several sharing their sarcastic takes on it.
    Soo Kim, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The anime first premiered in October 2015, earning widespread acclaim for its satirical take on superhero tropes and stunning action sequences.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 7 Oct. 2025
  • Count Dracula remains a fixture in the horror genre, having been featured in movies that range from scary and sexy to silly and satirical.
    Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 6 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Ironic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ironic. Accessed 8 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on ironic

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