IRONIC Synonyms: 69 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

ironic

adjective

variants also ironical

Definition of ironic next

as in acidic

marked by an often negative or mocking form of wit in which words are used to express something different to their literal meaning a book written in an ironic style an ironic sense of humor

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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

Examples 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 This is ironic given the labor shortage and the demand for creative, adaptable workers, qualities Disabled people inherently possess from navigating a world not designed for us. —

Keely Cat-Wells, TIME, 1 Nov. 2024 In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Wood opened up about his career trajectory which was nonetheless ironic itself. —

Skyler Caruso, People.com, 31 Oct. 2024 Leveraging private capital will help eliminate the ironic and self-defeating need to borrow from these same adversaries to close our budget shortfalls. —

Charles Beames, Forbes, 30 Oct. 2024 The toys teens and tweens play with, however, have to be mature, cute, thought-provoking, or just ironic. —

Toby Rose, Parents, 24 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for ironic

Recent Examples of Synonyms for ironic

Adjective

For You, Too An additional reason for elevating your chicken soup with lemon rather than other acidic ingredients is the health benefits.

Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 27 Oct. 2024
They are made by adding an acidic compound to creatine to help creatine absorb better and provide other nutrients that support sports performance.

Merve Ceylan, Health, 23 Oct. 2024