as in sarcastic
marked by the use of clever and often dark humor
The writer had a wry wit that was something of an acquired taste.
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Recent Examples of wry
There is a wry, sardonic Reinerian sensibility to be found in all of his best work, even in the cramped and frightening confines of Misery (1990).
—
Richard Lawson, HollywoodReporter, 15 Dec. 2025
In a memoir that’s at once wry, gutting, and exhilarating, Toews holds her life and her creative process up to the light to examine the threads that tie them together.
—Lucy Feldman, Time, 9 Dec. 2025
In the dance studio, Pierce-Sands had a watchful eye, a wry smile and a loud voice.
—Jared Kaufman, Twin Cities, 5 Dec. 2025
O’Nan’s writing is wise and wry.
—Chris Hewitt, Boston Herald, 27 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for wry
Richard Lawson, HollywoodReporter, 15 Dec. 2025
In a memoir that’s at once wry, gutting, and exhilarating, Toews holds her life and her creative process up to the light to examine the threads that tie them together.
—Lucy Feldman, Time, 9 Dec. 2025
In the dance studio, Pierce-Sands had a watchful eye, a wry smile and a loud voice.
—Jared Kaufman, Twin Cities, 5 Dec. 2025
O’Nan’s writing is wise and wry.
—Chris Hewitt, Boston Herald, 27 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for wry
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wry
Adjective
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The Marriage Story star first appeared as a child in an uncredited role in the Scorsese film — Ladd's first taste of major acclaim as the sarcastic waitress Flo.—
Ryan Coleman,
Entertainment Weekly,
3 Nov. 2025
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The kicking game was so bad that Freeman sounded like Brian Kelly at his sarcastic best when asked about Noah Burnette, Erik Schmidt and Marcello Diomede combining to miss two extra points and one field goal.—
Pete Sampson,
New York Times,
2 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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At Glenlaurel Inn & Spa nearby, inventive food and plush cabins balance brisk hikes for a perfectly woodsy winter getaway.—
Ashlyn Ware,
Midwest Living,
7 Jan. 2026
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The show has been doing brisk business, with the most recent box office figures (for the Broadway week ending January 4) reporting attendance at 96% of the venue’s capacity.—
Greg Evans,
Deadline,
7 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Half of my drawing was in black and white, showing a woman walking away from barbed wire and a prison tower.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
7 Jan. 2026
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Who knew barbed wire could be so interesting?—
Pam LeBlanc,
Southern Living,
3 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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The shootout in the finale felt ripped from another (lesser) series, Sarah Catherine Hook’s monologue as Piper, now wanting to wash Thailand off her, just a bit of a pat cheat (and a more cynical White on display).—
Christian Zilko,
IndieWire,
7 Jan. 2026
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Yes, our political leaders have given some of us reason to be resentful, cynical and even depressed.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
2 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Morbidly Jewish finds Raanan at his most biting, acerbic, angry, Jewish, and, as always…loud.—
Matt Grobar,
Deadline,
5 Jan. 2026
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The conservative activist’s 42-minute video posted the day after Christmas quickly spread, prompting stepped up immigration enforcement, frozen federal funds and more biting rhetoric against the Somali community from President Donald Trump.—
Rebekah Riess,
CNN Money,
2 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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His keen playful writing combines magical realism, genre-busting humor, literary zip—and there are few people better suited to adapting Wilder than Ethan Lipton.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
7 Nov. 2025
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Zoo Miami also boasts Ron Magill, whose Walk on the Wild events featuring educational segments, animal encounters and keen eye for photography continue to draw audiences.—
Howard Cohen,
Miami Herald,
7 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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Now, in an ironic twist of a slasher’s blade, Miska returning to the internet horror field, this time as the owner of Bloody Disgusting’s chief competitor, Dread Central.—
Borys Kit,
HollywoodReporter,
6 Jan. 2026
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The memes, commentary, and speculation became a culture unto itself, a loop of ironic posting, information warring, and commentary on commentary—all before his shooter was identified or Kirk was even pronounced dead.—
Charlie Warzel,
The Atlantic,
6 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Friday starts out warm and dry, possibly some early sunshine, and a chance to hit 60, depending on when showers arrive.—
Bill Kelly,
CBS News,
8 Jan. 2026
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The video, narrated with dry sarcasm and visible exhaustion, quickly went viral.—
Ashley Vega,
PEOPLE,
8 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Wry.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wry. Accessed 10 Jan. 2026.
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