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 process was an ironic combination of Stone Age communications and 20th century technology. Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 5 June 2025 Such recycling was indeed widespread in the counterculture; Jencks and Silver mention, as one example, the adoption of military uniforms as an ironic fashion statement. Glenn Adamson, Artforum, 1 June 2025 This is ironic, given that jazz is a precursor to hip-hop culture, forms a subgenre within it, and is heavily in classic hip-hop records, from Duke Ellington and John Coltrane to Miles Davis. Ime Ekpo, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025 However, none of the news items ever truly feels like a premonition, given their swift and uninvolving appearance, verging on ironic in intent. Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 24 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for ironic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ironic
Adjective
  • Part sun Soil Type: Organic, medium moisture, well-draining Soil pH: Slightly acidic (5.5-7.5) USDA Hardiness Zones: 8 to 11 A most unique agapanthus with variegated foliage and lilac blooms, 'Neverland' thrives in the heat and humidity of Southern gardens.
    Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 6 June 2025
  • To balance their intensity, Wegman recommended using acidic ingredients like lemon or garlic.
    Helen Carefoot, Verywell Health, 6 June 2025
Adjective
  • The British showrunner of that blisteringly cynical drama spent five years and 39 episodes giving us a portrait of filthy rich people pulling strings and behaving badly.
    David Fear, Rolling Stone, 31 May 2025
  • But the message at the heart of Isle of Dogs, that saving others is the only way to save one’s self, is enough to turn the most cynical viewer into a believer—and maybe even a dog lover.
    Shannon Carlin, Time, 30 May 2025
Adjective
  • For years, India had no dedicated laws addressing acid violence, leaving survivors isolated and facing overwhelming physical, emotional, and economic challenges.
    Iona Brannon, AFAR Media, 6 May 2025
  • Azaleas do like an acid soil and grow best when the soil acidity is in the pH range of 4.5 to 5.5.
    Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 24 May 2025
Adjective
  • He’s regarded as someone who’s down-to-earth, a tremendous teammate and a dressing room cutup thanks to his quick and wry sense of humour.
    Daniel Nugent-Bowman, New York Times, 1 May 2025
  • The sense of incidence with which May ’68 plays out, far in the background, speaks to a film for which the political is of little importance, or at least one that reflects the political through wry non-confrontations.
    Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 20 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • After a mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School, Obama gave a poignant speech and called for an assault-weapons ban, which didn’t pass; after a mass shooting at two mosques in Christchurch, Ardern gave a poignant speech and called for an assault-weapons ban, which did.
    Andrew Marantz, New Yorker, 9 June 2025
  • Today, the heath hen serves as a poignant reminder: even a species that seems secure can vanish within the span of a human lifetime.
    Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 8 June 2025
Adjective
  • Strain out the ice then add the ingredients back to the shaker for a vigorous dry shake to help build a rich foam.
    Jillian Dara, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025
  • Honey can also soothe those struggling with dry scalps or skin diseases such as eczema.
    Celeste Polanco, Essence, 10 June 2025
Adjective
  • Still, Ernst shared a sarcastic apology video after facing criticism from Democrats over her response to the town hall attendees' concerns.
    Savannah Kuchar, USA Today, 2 June 2025
  • The vibe, never exactly cheerful, and never leavened by a hint of even the most sarcastic sense of humor, takes a turn for the horrific one evening in the wake of the bawdy revels celebrating Tomek’s wedding.
    Jessica Kiang, Variety, 30 May 2025
Adjective
  • Neither damning nor satiric, W. is oddly wistful, almost regretful — rare sentiments in a Stone film.
    Will Leitch, Vulture, 17 Feb. 2025
  • All Systems Red is a legible introduction to Wells’ hyper-capitalist, playfully satiric galaxy.
    Rory Doherty, Time, 16 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Ironic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ironic. Accessed 14 Jun. 2025.

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