ironic

variants also ironical

Synonym Chooser

How is the word ironic different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of ironic are sarcastic, sardonic, and satiric. While all these words mean "marked by bitterness and a power or will to cut or sting," ironic implies an attempt to be amusing or provocative by saying usually the opposite of what is meant.

made the ironic observation that the government could always be trusted

When is sarcastic a more appropriate choice than ironic?

The meanings of sarcastic and ironic largely overlap; however, sarcastic implies an intentional inflicting of pain by deriding, taunting, or ridiculing.

a critic known for his sarcastic remarks

When would sardonic be a good substitute for ironic?

The words sardonic and ironic are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, sardonic implies scorn, mockery, or derision that is manifested by either verbal or facial expression.

surveyed the scene with a sardonic smile

When is it sensible to use satiric instead of ironic?

In some situations, the words satiric and ironic are roughly equivalent. However, satiric implies that the intent of the ridiculing is censure and reprobation.

a satiric look at contemporary society

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 ironic In a certain and very ironic way, that perfect 'hit,' late in the evening, brought everyone together and the deal was made!!! Amira El-Fekki‎, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 June 2025 And then there’s the funny, sharp and deeply ironic montages of Lucy’s clients. Abigail Lee, Variety, 14 June 2025 The term has moved from being a literal reference to a livestream audience to a kind of ironic nickname for your friends—or anyone watching you in the moment. Annabelle Canela, Parents, 23 June 2025 Others called the policy ironic, noting that most low-income residents still can’t afford electric vehicles — so the discount may go largely unused. Tina Li, Sacbee.com, 20 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for ironic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ironic
Adjective
  • In oxygen-rich soil, microbes thrive, contributing to decay, and acidic pH levels erode natural materials like leather.
    Kameryn Griesser, CNN Money, 12 July 2025
  • The sharp, slightly sour sauce brought the fries back to life with an acidic, satisfying kick.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 10 July 2025
Adjective
  • Created by cartoonist Jim Davis, the Garfield comic strip debuted in June 1978 and follows the cynical and lazy orange cat and his interactions with his owner, Jon Arbuckle, and fellow pet Odie, the lovable dog.
    Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 8 July 2025
  • There is a certain business logic to that; from a cynical perspective, if a £10million investment fails to live up to expectations, the financial downside for the buying club is relatively small — and in many cases, he will be sold to somewhere lower down the sport’s food chain.
    Oliver Kay, New York Times, 8 July 2025
Adjective
  • The floors are done in chestnut-toned wood, with acid green carpets made from bamboo silk, while the VVIP suite has its own private sitting room.
    Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 11 June 2025
  • Fluoride also replaces minerals lost from teeth due to acid breakdown, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
    Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 3 June 2025
Adjective
  • He’s regarded as someone who’s down-to-earth, a tremendous teammate and a dressing room cutup thanks to his quick and wry sense of humour.
    Daniel Nugent-Bowman, New York Times, 1 May 2025
  • The sense of incidence with which May ’68 plays out, far in the background, speaks to a film for which the political is of little importance, or at least one that reflects the political through wry non-confrontations.
    Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 20 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • The rediscovery comes at a poignant time for Dana and her family.
    Ashley Vega, People.com, 30 June 2025
  • In one of the film’s most poignant moments, Johan lovingly applies Testogel to William’s thighs.
    David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 27 June 2025
Adjective
  • Then plant ones that prefer dry soil, such as junipers, sedums, and yuccas elsewhere.
    Steve Bender, Southern Living, 5 July 2025
  • His voice guided viewers through the storylines with dry humor and Southern charm.
    Tereza Shkurtaj, People.com, 5 July 2025
Adjective
  • Mamdani joined her for a sarcastic infomercial on her account, criticizing Mayor Adams’ record.
    CT Jones, Rolling Stone, 26 June 2025
  • Teaming up with Rebels like the enigmatic Cassian Andor (Diego Luna) and the sarcastic droid K-2SO (Alan Tudyk), Jyn’s quest for salvation and redemption runs right up to the beginning of the original film, Star Wars: A New Hope.
    Mekishana Pierre, EW.com, 26 June 2025
Adjective
  • The poem is part love quest, part account of Italy’s battles; in places profoundly serious, in places satiric.
    The New Yorker, New Yorker, 11 June 2025
  • Neither damning nor satiric, W. is oddly wistful, almost regretful — rare sentiments in a Stone film.
    Will Leitch, Vulture, 17 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Ironic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ironic. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.

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