TONGUE-IN-CHEEK Synonyms: 89 Similar and Opposite Words

tongue-in-cheek

adjective

Definition of tongue-in-cheek

as in flippant

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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 tongue-in-cheek The coach is photographed in a variety of tongue-in-cheek situations such as grilling, taking an ice plunge, beekeeping, working out and doing karate — all while wearing khakis. — Jean E. Palmieri, Footwear News, 14 Sep. 2026 There’s a tongue-in-cheek nature to some of the challenges to his decision (for instance, a performance art piece about a mother bidding farewell to her son). — Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 11 Sep. 2026 The ad is a tongue-in-cheek reference to Barr’s commitment to Kentucky, with the congressman jokingly buying in. — Keely Doll, Louisville Courier Journal, 10 Sep. 2026 Moments like these can definitely seem overwrought (and humor-wise, Moretti should probably refrain from the Viagra jokes), but they’re also handled with a fair amount of tongue-in-cheek tact despite some of the unbelievable circumstances. — Jordan Mintzer, HollywoodReporter, 5 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for tongue-in-cheek

Recent Examples of Synonyms for tongue-in-cheek

Adjective

But there is a saying in the military that leadership sets the tone, and when the most senior leaders are flippant at best, and cruel at worst, many will understand that to be the permissible standard.

— Andrea N. Goldstein, The Atlantic, 28 Aug. 2026
Kyles suggested, recalling her immediate response to the president’s seemingly flippant remark.

— Chris Quintana, USA Today, 22 Aug. 2026

Definition of flippant

Adjective

The excess of emotion often scans as winkingly facetious, a dramatization to demonstrate just how deeply a person loves books.

— Brady Brickner-Wood, New Yorker, 8 July 2026
The first thing he was asked, by another reporter who witnessed the debate, was a facetious question of whether he’s given MVP any thought.

— Jared Weiss, New York Times, 24 Mar. 2026

Definition of facetious

Adjective

Seen one way, the title of HBO’s new Youth is clearly ironic.

— Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 18 Sep. 2026
Bringing together the private shattering of a home with the epic tale of homecoming offers Gluck a distanced, often ironic, stance on her life’s most painful moments.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 17 Sep. 2026

Definition of ironic

Adjective

There is just enough wry humor—think Shaun of the Dead—sprinkled throughout to keep things from getting too grim, often deriving from Bryan’s cluelessness and general lack of skills.

— Jennifer Ouellette, ArsTechnica, 22 Sep. 2026
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

Definition of wry

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

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

Browse Nearby Words

tongue

tongue-in-cheek

tongue-lash

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“Tongue-in-cheek.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tongue-in-cheek. Accessed 27 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of tongue-in-cheek

adjective

Example Sentences

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