WRY Synonyms: 61 Similar and Opposite Words

wry

adjective

Definition of wry

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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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 wry Romano’s wry, hangdog default demeanor suits his character, Joe, a father of two who’s separated from his wife (Penelope Ann Miller) and living in a depressing motel. — Judy Berman, Time, 11 Aug. 2026 From Melikova’s intimate prose and local industry connections arises an essential sensory texture of national belonging, alongside a moral register sharp enough to carry a critical charge and light enough to keep it wry. — Sonya Vseliubska, IndieWire, 7 Aug. 2026 Neill Blomkamp has yet to top District 9, but this one comes closest to matching his debut’s wry social commentary and borderline-comedic grotesqueries. — Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 7 Aug. 2026 The Australian limped into his news conference with a wry smile on his face after getting past Tsitsipas in three sets. — Matthew Futterman, New York Times, 1 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for wry

Recent Examples of Synonyms for wry

Adjective

Roberts corrected himself after an impressive dive from Komander, who received a loud, sarcastic pop.

— Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026
The department’s post drew skeptical and sarcastic reactions from commenters who wondered whether the missing $30 called for a public search.

— Stephen Sorace, FOXNews.com, 23 Aug. 2026

Definition of sarcastic

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

The pacing is more frenetic, the narration more biting, the flashbacks more jarring, and the comedowns much harsher.

— Hannah Giorgis Yohannes, Vanity Fair, 13 July 2026
Described as a biting political thriller in the tradition of Wild in the Streets and V for Vendetta, The Hunted is set in a dystopian America where trans people are brutalized and erased to the margins of society.

— Glenn Garner, Deadline, 20 June 2026

Definition of biting

Adjective

When researching this article on Jacquet’s upbringing, The Athletic discovered exactly why Liverpool were so keen to bring the 21-year-old to Anfield after a rapid rise through the ranks at Rennes.

— David Ornstein, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2026
The parents of the other students are keen to press for the exclusion of Andy.

— Leo Barraclough, Variety, 5 Sep. 2026

Definition of keen

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

Crude-tanker stocks have led the rally, up 120% year-to-date, followed by car carriers, gas carriers and dry-bulk shippers, Lloyd's data show.

— Anniek Bao, CNBC, 3 Sep. 2026
Tennis has always been highly dependent on the weather; unlike in soccer or football, rain cancels or delays a match until the court is dry enough to be playable.

— Aaron Short, Curbed, 3 Sep. 2026