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 This is ironic from numerous perspectives. Las Vegas Review-Journal, Twin Cities, 24 Dec. 2025 This activates your rest, reflection, and subconscious sector, which already feels ironic given how visible your thoughts usually are. Dossé-Via Trenou, Refinery29, 21 Dec. 2025 Murry corrupted and perverted and destroyed Katherine both as a person and a writer […] Her gifts were those of an intense realist, with a superb sense of ironic humour and fundamental cynicism. Literary Hub, 17 Dec. 2025 This neglect of humanitarian action is all the more ironic in the face of evidence that shows very clearly what works. David Miliband, Time, 16 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for ironic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ironic
Adjective
  • Possible Worsening of Acid Reflux Symptoms Many juices, such as orange, lemon, and pineapple, are highly acidic and can worsen symptoms in people with acid reflux.
    Jillian Kubala, Health, 7 Jan. 2026
  • While both are safe and effective for preserving, citric acid can contribute a sharper, more acidic note, while salt tends to round out tomato flavor.
    Anne Wolf, Martha Stewart, 7 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • The shootout in the finale felt ripped from another (lesser) series, Sarah Catherine Hook’s monologue as Piper, now wanting to wash Thailand off her, just a bit of a pat cheat (and a more cynical White on display).
    Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 7 Jan. 2026
  • Yes, our political leaders have given some of us reason to be resentful, cynical and even depressed.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 2 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Savannah police and the FBI are continuing to follow any possible leads to find whoever is responsible for the acid attack in a local park that left a woman with severe burns.
    Dan Raby, CBS News, 16 Dec. 2025
  • If acid soil-loving plants are not thriving, have the soil tested and amend the pH with elemental sulfur.
    Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 10 Dec. 2025
Adjective
  • Clark balances serious conversations with wry humor, which is how people often deal with stress.
    Oline H. Cogdill, Sun Sentinel, 8 Jan. 2026
  • But sink into this wry, poignant story and all is forgiven.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 8 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Even more poignant, however, is the Rosemary's Baby angle, where the innocence of childhood is drowned in blood and the notion that a young person reared in a loving environment should develop into a compassionate adult is perverted into unthinkable horror.
    Alan Bradley, Space.com, 8 Nov. 2025
  • One of the hits of this year’s Cannes Film Festival, helmer Hadi’s poignant feature debut follows an impoverished girl living with her grandmother in the Mesopotamian marshes during the Saddam Hussein regime.
    Alissa Simon, Variety, 5 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • Friday starts out warm and dry, possibly some early sunshine, and a chance to hit 60, depending on when showers arrive.
    Bill Kelly, CBS News, 8 Jan. 2026
  • The video, narrated with dry sarcasm and visible exhaustion, quickly went viral.
    Ashley Vega, PEOPLE, 8 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • The Marriage Story star first appeared as a child in an uncredited role in the Scorsese film — Ladd's first taste of major acclaim as the sarcastic waitress Flo.
    Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 3 Nov. 2025
  • The kicking game was so bad that Freeman sounded like Brian Kelly at his sarcastic best when asked about Noah Burnette, Erik Schmidt and Marcello Diomede combining to miss two extra points and one field goal.
    Pete Sampson, New York Times, 2 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • But it’s set apart from the rest of her work by a long, satirical section sending up gothic fiction and its fans.
    Erin Somers, The Atlantic, 6 Jan. 2026
  • But the tone is often more satiric than somber, Park highlighting Man-su’s foibles and insecurities.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 6 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Ironic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ironic. Accessed 10 Jan. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on ironic

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