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 Flowers’ voice also carries some of Waylon’s wry, bear-hug generosity, that warmth that always makes his music feel like good company. — Jayson Greene, Pitchfork, 25 Aug. 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for wry

Recent Examples of Synonyms for wry

Adjective

Starring Andrew Scott as British actor Ian Charleson, who throws himself into playing Hamlet while succumbing to AIDS, the film’s ensemble cast features Dolan as the sarcastic receptionist at the National Theatre in London.

— Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 10 Sep. 2026
The sarcastic Chandler Bing (Matthew Perry) and affable actor Joey Tribbiani (Matt LeBlanc) are among her favorite characters.

— Mack DeGeurin, Popular Science, 9 Sep. 2026

Definition of sarcastic

Adjective

The Philadelphia-Jacksonville game is the more expensive of the two, and its brisk sales seemingly point to the popularity of the Eagles.

— Ken Maguire, Chicago Tribune, 8 Sep. 2026
While most of us are capable of lifting weights or heading outside for a brisk walk each day, not everyone is so fortunate, leading researchers to consider other ways to encourage muscles to produce plenty of hormones.

— Mike McRae September 02, New Atlas, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of brisk

Adjective

There are plenty of Ostalgie museums in today’s united Germany, furnished with memorabilia of the German Democratic Republic, from twigs of barbed wire to Trabant gearboxes.

— Isaac Chotiner, New Yorker, 3 Sep. 2026
Across the lot in an unused patch of pavement, pops of bright orange and yellow reach skyward toward the imposing barbed wire that’s laced atop metal security bars.

— Leigh-Ann Jackson, Los Angeles Times, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of barbed

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

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