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 prolific musician, actor and philanthropist, who died on Tuesday at 80 years old, always had a tongue-in-cheek response to criticisms about her larger-than-life sense of style. — Jacqui Palumbo, CNN Money, 26 Aug. 2026 Social media is filled with tongue-in-cheek how-to videos, instructing viewers on things like how to discreetly saw through a metal pole. — Meg Anderson, NPR, 21 Aug. 2026 Toeing the line between sincerity and tongue-in-cheek humor, Edelman claims to have developed an obsession with contemporary Christian music after Smith invited him to a concert. — Emily McClanathan, Chicago Tribune, 13 Aug. 2026 The Connecticut rapper’s debut swings from tongue-in-cheek provocations to slam-poetry clunkers, landing a few solid punchlines and pop hooks along the way. — Lily Goldberg, Pitchfork, 3 Aug. 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

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

Definition of ironic

Adjective

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
Hardy’s prose brims with assurance and wry details that come from lived experiences and conversations.

— Paula L. Woods, Los Angeles Times, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of wry

Adjective

The film is certainly casting a spell, and whether or not that’s simply cynical (and insidiously effective) marketing doesn’t much matter when you’re caught up in it.

— Richard Lawson, HollywoodReporter, 5 Sep. 2026
There’s rom-com-style banter between Alice and her colleague Danny (Scoot McNairy), and cynical mentorship from FBI agent Nora (Quincy Tyler Bernstine), who has seen enough to drive her to drink.

— Joy Press, Vanity Fair, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of cynical

Adjective

His teammates see his personality, his ability to laugh at himself, his sarcasm, his dry wit.

— Colton Pouncy, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026
Among them, Amazon Beauty is offering one-on-one makeup artist consultations; Wella Professionals is offering dry hair styling and touch-ups; and Anastasia Soare will give a brow artistry masterclass.

— Jennet Jusu, Allure, 10 Sep. 2026

Definition of dry

Adjective

This poignant and beautifully acted boxing film starring the great but underrated actor Stacy Keach is among the true classics of the 20th century.

— Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 8 Sep. 2026
Some might argue that the film’s niceness, its poignant vibe of celebration and gratitude, is a tellingly apt fit for the band’s music, which was sometimes as mocked for its Top 40-friendly, Britpop neatness as it was beloved by others.

— Richard Lawson, HollywoodReporter, 5 Sep. 2026

Definition of poignant

Browse Nearby Words

tongue

tongue-in-cheek

tongue-lash

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Style

“Tongue-in-cheek.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tongue-in-cheek. Accessed 13 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of tongue-in-cheek

adjective

Example Sentences

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