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 Looking back on her friend’s life, Radziwill is sure the same ironic disposition would have meant Bessette Kennedy had fun with RHONY. — Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 10 Sep. 2026 The choice, filmmaker Alex Gibney said Tuesday in Venice before the film's world premiere, was intentionally ironic. — ABC News, 8 Sep. 2026 Former Republican congressman and ironic meme icon George Santos was just banned from Kalshi — for life. — Frank Landymore, Futurism, 2 Sep. 2026 Shooting in a widescreen format that gives ironic grandeur to a squat, featureless town in the Texas Panhandle, DP Peter Flinckenberg is attentive to the piercing, sometimes radiant winter light of the region in the harshest months of the year. — Guy Lodge, Variety, 1 Sep. 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

Here, the omnipresent superstar portrays Kade Auberon, a cynical rogue confronted by his mysterious past.

— Jeff Spry, Space.com, 14 Sep. 2026
Those measures – in 2018, 2020 and 2022 – were placed by a particularly cynical health workers union abusing the initiative process to punish dialysis clinics that opposed unionization efforts.

— The Editorial Board, Oc Register, 8 Sep. 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

Their bond deepens with the wry neuroses and gradually dropped defenses of many a midlife romantic comedy, though Parkinson’s complicates matters in unusual, empathetically explored ways.

— Guy Lodge, Variety, 17 Sep. 2026
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

Definition of wry

Adjective

But unlike the seemingly different ideas that Wilson is able to find absurd and poignant connections between in his documentaries, his other project while making the film is one that almost makes too much sense.

— Sarah Shachat, IndieWire, 19 Sep. 2026
Fitoussi, who also made a film championing the background players with The Extras, creates a witty and actually poignant look at the profession where real talent so often goes unrecognized and unappreciated.

— Pete Hammond, Deadline, 18 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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ironic

ironing

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“Ironic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ironic. Accessed 23 Sep. 2026.

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