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 The irony of contrast to the former inhabitants’ austere lifestyle, renouncing worldly goods, surely wouldn’t be lost on the savvy guests. Beth Landman, HollywoodReporter, 21 June 2025 Considering the battles Marchand and the Panthers had over the past few years before the trade, the irony of that comment isn’t lost on anyone. Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 18 June 2025 That ended in Munich’s Allianz Arena just under two weeks ago, amid apparent irony. Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 15 June 2025 The demonstrations, which coincided with Donald Trump’s birthday celebration, added another layer of irony as some within the Bitcoin community openly celebrate the very figure hundreds of thousands protested against. Becca Bratcher, Forbes.com, 16 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for irony
Recent Examples of Synonyms for irony
Noun
  • And this one provision, which is highly punitive and discriminatory towards companies who are guilty of nothing more than deciding to create opportunities here in the United States, is in direct contradiction to the president's vision.
    Tax Notes Staff, Forbes.com, 24 June 2025
  • By ordering these strikes, Trump acted without congressional approval and in contradiction to his campaign promise to avoid the kind of disasters experienced in Iraq, Libya, and Afghanistan.
    David Remnick, New Yorker, 22 June 2025
Noun
  • Especially not for a few minutes worth of amusement.
    Scott Maxwell, The Orlando Sentinel, 24 June 2025
  • The short clip has garnered more than 660,000 views and over 183,000 likes to date, drawing both widespread sympathy and amusement from viewers on TikTok.
    Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 June 2025
Noun
  • Florida is a state of paradoxes, from its history of colonization and relationship to enslavement, to its immigrant communities and conservative politics, to its gorgeous waters and swampy inlands.
    Leila Mottley June 27, Literary Hub, 27 June 2025
  • These mechanical advances evolve into an extended metaphor for modern life’s digital paradox.
    Simon Parkin, The Atlantic, 23 June 2025
Noun
  • Mika Rottenberg’s work explores the pure absurdities of our current world.
    Nargess Banks, Forbes.com, 25 June 2025
  • These over-the-top moments and the absurdity of its title may be the elements that made Zombi 2 famous, but beneath them is a movie with an eerie, uncanny vibe that's shockingly easy to get lost in.
    James Grebey, Time, 20 June 2025
Noun
  • Already concerned about the incongruity of having a comic yukking it up with what was happening with the AP and other outlets, the WHCA scrapped her.
    Ted Johnson, Deadline, 27 Apr. 2025
  • Kirby’s incongruity is terrifying, so said someone much wiser than me.
    Mitch Wallace, Forbes.com, 10 May 2025
Noun
  • The vivifying dichotomy is even announced in advance.
    Christopher Knight, Los Angeles Times, 24 June 2025
  • The funding cut, Turner says, highlights a dichotomy between the Trump Administration’s aim to leave disaster response to communities—without providing them with the tools to respond.
    Simmone Shah, Time, 16 June 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Irony.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/irony. Accessed 5 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on irony

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!