IRONICAL Synonyms: 69 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

ironic

adjective

variants also ironical

Definition of ironic

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

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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 After Davis’ single appearance, Anne Baxter would step in as the matriarch of the series (as a new character), an ironic echo of Baxter’s Eve ambitiously attempting to usurp Davis’ Margo in the classic All About Eve. — Rance Collins, Entertainment Weekly, 29 Aug. 2026 Briscoe acknowledges the ironic similarities, from driving the #14 to now owning a team, but asserts his venture stems from personal passion and inspiration from various owners. — Greg Engle, Forbes.com, 23 Aug. 2026 The battle over growing cannabis under the sun is somewhat ironic because hemp, which is the cannabis plant with only trace amounts of the delta-9 THC that gets users high, can be legally grown nationwide in farm fields. — Robert McCoppin, Chicago Tribune, 20 Aug. 2026 The story’s ultimate message about the kids learning to forego their electronic devices to embrace the joy of friends and family also seems a bit ironic, considering the film’s future as an electronic babysitter. — Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 20 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for ironic

Recent Examples of Synonyms for ironic

Adjective

Editor Cam McLauchlin never cuts them into mere blitzes of limbs and blood, though DP Katelin Arizmendi’s acidic palette of yellows, greens and corporeal streaks of red does lend the realism a kind of pop-art splendor.

— Guy Lodge, Variety, 14 Sep. 2026
Black gum will adapt to most soil conditions, but must be planted in acidic soil.

— Arricca Elin SanSone, Southern Living, 12 Sep. 2026

Definition of acidic

Adjective

The film is certainly casting a spell, and whether or not that’s simply cynical (and insidiously effective) marketing doesn’t much matter when you’re caught up in it.

— Richard Lawson, HollywoodReporter, 5 Sep. 2026
There’s rom-com-style banter between Alice and her colleague Danny (Scoot McNairy), and cynical mentorship from FBI agent Nora (Quincy Tyler Bernstine), who has seen enough to drive her to drink.

— Joy Press, Vanity Fair, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of cynical

Adjective

The idea that these two would have a five-minute-or-less breakup conversation, then plop down on the couch and happily embark on an acid trip together, strains credulity a little, even for this bizarre, codependent friend group.

— Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2026
In a sequencer that resembled a large fridge, millions of short nucleic-acid fragments would be identified in the span of ten hours.

— Jason Liebowitz, New Yorker, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of acid

Adjective

The festival has stoked best actor consideration for John Malkovich, whose wry turn in Wild Horse Nine has garnered abundant attention.

— Chris Murphy, Vanity Fair, 6 Sep. 2026
Hardy’s prose brims with assurance and wry details that come from lived experiences and conversations.

— Paula L. Woods, Los Angeles Times, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of wry

Adjective

This poignant and beautifully acted boxing film starring the great but underrated actor Stacy Keach is among the true classics of the 20th century.

— Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 8 Sep. 2026
Some might argue that the film’s niceness, its poignant vibe of celebration and gratitude, is a tellingly apt fit for the band’s music, which was sometimes as mocked for its Top 40-friendly, Britpop neatness as it was beloved by others.

— Richard Lawson, HollywoodReporter, 5 Sep. 2026

Definition of poignant

Adjective

Make sure skin is clean and dry so the patch sticks — skip body lotions or oils in this area.

— Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 16 Sep. 2026
Saalt Wear leakproof underwear is super comfortable, featuring patented leak technology that's ultra-thin and dry and works for everything from periods to bladder leaks, from teenage years to postmenopause.

— ABC News, ABC News, 16 Sep. 2026

Definition of dry

Adjective

Starring Andrew Scott as British actor Ian Charleson, who throws himself into playing Hamlet while succumbing to AIDS, the film’s ensemble cast features Dolan as the sarcastic receptionist at the National Theatre in London.

— Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 10 Sep. 2026
The sarcastic Chandler Bing (Matthew Perry) and affable actor Joey Tribbiani (Matt LeBlanc) are among her favorite characters.

— Mack DeGeurin, Popular Science, 9 Sep. 2026

Definition of sarcastic

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ironhearted

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“Ironic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ironic. Accessed 20 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of ironic

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