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
And yet, the wry grimaces that followed said the quiet part out loud.
—
Megan Feringa, New York Times, 30 Mar. 2026
The wry commentary eventually curdled into ironic prophecy, as Keynes became one of those defunct economists.
—Megan McArdle, Washington Post, 29 Mar. 2026
The latter, a wry comedy of futile endeavor, was based on a story by Kiarostami, but Haghighi soon sought to shake off Kiarostami’s influence—and, even more, a prevailing caricature of Iranian cinema that Kiarostami’s style had given rise to.
—Richard Brody, New Yorker, 27 Mar. 2026
So there were dry eyes and wry grins when the men who knew him best gathered in the church basement after the ceremonies.
—Dave Duffey, Outdoor Life, 26 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for wry
Megan Feringa, New York Times, 30 Mar. 2026
The wry commentary eventually curdled into ironic prophecy, as Keynes became one of those defunct economists.
—Megan McArdle, Washington Post, 29 Mar. 2026
The latter, a wry comedy of futile endeavor, was based on a story by Kiarostami, but Haghighi soon sought to shake off Kiarostami’s influence—and, even more, a prevailing caricature of Iranian cinema that Kiarostami’s style had given rise to.
—Richard Brody, New Yorker, 27 Mar. 2026
So there were dry eyes and wry grins when the men who knew him best gathered in the church basement after the ceremonies.
—Dave Duffey, Outdoor Life, 26 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for wry
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wry
Adjective
-
Peters then offered a sarcastic parting line and left the set.—
Ryan Brennan
April 15,
Miami Herald,
15 Apr. 2026
-
By contrast, Lillian’s counterpart and best friend is cast member and former standup comedian Gina Ross, a sarcastic, iconoclastic, in-your-face performer.—
Lee Kelly,
PEOPLE,
12 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Or that their brisk pace would only have been possible for world-class athletes.—
Jack Dolan,
Los Angeles Times,
15 Apr. 2026
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The city is contemplating a brisk timeline of four years to build the stadium.—
Chris Higgins,
Kansas City Star,
15 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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But when classes resumed this week for the first time since the Iran war began, coiled barbed wire blocked the Palestinian siblings’ path to the village center.—
Sam Metz,
Los Angeles Times,
15 Apr. 2026
-
Nyuyen’s compound was surrounded by a 12-ft wall of barbed wire and guard posts.—
Charlie Campbell,
Time,
7 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Wally, too cynical to apprentice.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
14 Apr. 2026
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The Season 3 premiere is no different, plunging viewers back into Sam Levinson‘s provocative story about young people searching for meaning and connection in a chaotic, often cynical, world.—
Katie Campione,
Deadline,
12 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Much like the days getting longer and the air less biting, a sure harbinger that spring is coming is the 33rd annual West Suburban Irish St. Patrick’s Day Parade in downtown Naperville.—
Annie Alleman,
Chicago Tribune,
9 Mar. 2026
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As the nation bonded as one over the past two weeks biting nails, screaming at wins, wincing at crashes and choking up at all the beautiful moments of Olympic competition, another group of athletes were – and still are – out honing their multi-level championship skills.—
Moira McCarthy,
Boston Herald,
25 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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But the royal gown that the Queen wore in Pakistan is a vivid example of the kind of soft power that can be exerted by a head of state who is otherwise without executive or legislative potency, especially one who takes a keen interest in international affairs, as Elizabeth II clearly did.—
Rebecca Mead,
New Yorker,
17 Apr. 2026
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States keeping an eye on their budgets aren't keen to give up revenue to help passersby and commercial drivers.—
Kathryn Watson,
CBS News,
16 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Everything is light, zippy, and gently ironic.—
Tim Parks,
New Yorker,
11 Apr. 2026
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Trump’s problems with this strategy are ironic.—
David Frum,
The Atlantic,
8 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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The Springs Fire came dangerously close to destroying Moreno Valley's only 18-hole public golf course in early April, fueled by strong winds and dry weather.—
Zach Boetto,
CBS News,
16 Apr. 2026
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All hotel guests have complimentary access to the hydro circuit (though a reservation is required) which includes a steam room, dry sauna, and cold plunge.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
15 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Wry.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wry. Accessed 20 Apr. 2026.
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