irony

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun irony differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of irony are humor, repartee, sarcasm, satire, and wit. While all these words mean "a mode of expression intended to arouse amusement," irony applies to a manner of expression in which the intended meaning is the opposite of what is seemingly expressed.

the irony of the title

When can humor be used instead of irony?

While the synonyms humor and irony are close in meaning, humor implies an ability to perceive the ludicrous, the comical, and the absurd in human life and to express these usually without bitterness.

a sense of humor

When is it sensible to use repartee instead of irony?

The words repartee and irony are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, repartee implies the power of answering quickly, pointedly, or wittily.

a dinner guest noted for repartee

Where would sarcasm be a reasonable alternative to irony?

The meanings of sarcasm and irony largely overlap; however, sarcasm applies to expression frequently in the form of irony that is intended to cut or wound.

given to heartless sarcasm

When is satire a more appropriate choice than irony?

The synonyms satire and irony are sometimes interchangeable, but satire applies to writing that exposes or ridicules conduct, doctrines, or institutions either by direct criticism or more often through irony, parody, or caricature.

a satire on the Congress

When could wit be used to replace irony?

While in some cases nearly identical to irony, wit suggests the power to evoke laughter by remarks showing verbal felicity or ingenuity and swift perception especially of the incongruous.

a playful wit

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 irony In the horror film, which has an undercurrent of quirky irony, Ferrigno makes and sells jerky made of human flesh. Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 10 Sep. 2025 As Denise herself once famously slurred in a less-than-sober moment — words that now echo with irony — 'Stop it. Stephanie Wenger, PEOPLE, 9 Sep. 2025 White Out is like something from the high-modernist era of Joyce and Woolf—dark, fragmented, impressionistic, saturated with irony and black humor. Scott Stossel, The Atlantic, 9 Sep. 2025 In his career to date, the Danish-Norwegian director has often pivoted between realism and moments where irony and the surreal puncture the everyday. Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 9 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for irony
Recent Examples of Synonyms for irony
Noun
  • As a discipline, advertising is beset by all sorts of weird internal contradictions, although that’s probably to be expected, given the thankless job commercials are tasked with carrying out.
    Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 12 Sep. 2025
  • Others pointed out the contradiction between tone and content.
    Soo Kim, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Test yourself on autumn amusements and federal firsts in this week's American Culture Quiz.
    Staff, FOXNews.com, 12 Sep. 2025
  • Vanna White, the show's longtime letter turner, responded, prompting some amusement from both Seacrest and Ault.
    Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • This gets to the heart of a paradox in American politics.
    John J. Donohue, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Sep. 2025
  • This paradox—seeing the system as rigged but loath to fall into the NPC pit—is emerging as a defining Gen Z quality.
    Dave Smith, Fortune, 11 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • But coming from Alexander Karp, the CEO and cofounder of Palantir Technologies, this concern-trolling about a growing censoriousness in ‘the culture’ feels almost intentional in its absurdity.
    Book Marks September 11, Literary Hub, 11 Sep. 2025
  • The result is an absurdity that can elicit instinctual laughter at the grossest imagery imaginable.
    Robert Niles, Oc Register, 9 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Likewise, the airy comedy (boosted by Thomas Newman’s sprightly if familiar-sounding score) insists on the seeming incongruity between the film’s lovely setting and its darker subject matter.
    Manuel Betancourt, Variety, 22 Aug. 2025
  • In contemplating the religious system of the Aztecs, one is struck with its apparent incongruity, as if some portion of it had emanated from a comparatively refined people, open to gentle influences, while the rest breathes a spirit of unmitigated ferocity.
    Sebastian Purcell August 18, Literary Hub, 18 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • This means ending the false dichotomy between college and career pathways.
    Matt Gandal, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025
  • Busta also received an assist from Papoose and Joyner Lucas, all of them sharing lyrical wordplay and seamless tradeoffs as Busta swung between his trademark dichotomy of rapping to gruff bellowing.
    Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 8 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Irony.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/irony. Accessed 17 Sep. 2025.

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