ironic

[ahy-ron-ik] / aɪˈrɒn ɪk /

ADJECTIVE

sarcastic

Synonyms

STRONGEST

arrogant caustic incongruous mocking paradoxical ridiculous sardonic satiric satirical twisted unexpected wry

WEAK

acrid alert backbiting biting bitter burlesque chaffing clever contemptuous contradictory critical cutting cynical defiant derisive disparaging double-edged exaggerated implausible incisive ironical jibing keen mordant pungent quick-witted scathing scoffing sharp sneering spicy trenchant uncomplimentary witty

Antonyms

STRONGEST

straight

WEAK

sincere

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

“Normal” sits exactly in that zone of excessive gunplay punctuated by needle drops and ironic expressions.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 17, 2026

Their total ineptitude—120 losses out of 161 games in 1962, their first season—helped make them ironic underdog heroes.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 27, 2026

We can see Houghton’s play in these moments, but then Alloway’s cheeky pop sensibility intervenes, the arch artificiality and ironic tone draining the emotional impact.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 26, 2026

Its use against Anthropic is ironic, since it has been harsher toward China than many in Silicon Valley, barring access to its chatbot, Claude, from anyone in China.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 13, 2026

There was something both ironic and gentle about him.

From "Americanah" by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

Vocabulary lists containing ironic

The Giver

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The Catcher in the Rye

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This Week in Words: October 28 - November 2, 2018

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