WRY Synonyms: 61 Similar and Opposite Words

wry

adjective

Definition of wry next

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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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 As anachronisms constantly threaten to puncture the illusion, the cast stays wry, nimble and self-conscious in order to locate plot points and jokes that reinforce the golden-age radio setting, scribbling notes and introducing characters that propel them through ludicrous narrative arcs. —

John Wenzel, Denver Post, 23 Apr. 2026 For his part, Anderson possessed a wry sense of humor and wasn’t above poking fun at himself. —

Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 17 Apr. 2026 This is distinct from writing that is humorous, the stuff that will give you a wry smile at best. —

John Warner, Chicago Tribune, 11 Apr. 2026 Nobel Prize–winning economist Milton Friedman, famous for his wry sense of humor, once wrote a book titled There’s No Such Thing as a Free Lunch. —

Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for wry

Recent Examples of Synonyms for wry

Adjective

Now, in a more intimate setting, the sullen and sometimes-sarcastic shadings of this longtime singer-songwriter should hark back to Folds’ fledgling days on the alt-music scene.

— David L. Coddon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 May 2026
In addition to Miranda's scathing remarks to Andy (Anne Hathaway) while trying to complete seemingly impossible tasks, Emily (Emily Blunt) and Nigel (Stanley Tucci) taught her how to navigate office politics with their own sarcastic comments.

— Christopher Rudolph, PEOPLE, 3 May 2026