irony

noun

Definition of ironynext
as in contradiction
a situation that is strange or funny because things happen in a way that seems to be the opposite of what is expected We got a good chuckle seeing their tow truck being towed away, but our friends failed to see the irony.

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Synonym Chooser

How does the noun irony differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of irony are humor, repartee, sarcasm, satire, and wit. While all these words mean "a mode of expression intended to arouse amusement," irony applies to a manner of expression in which the intended meaning is the opposite of what is seemingly expressed.

the irony of the title

When can humor be used instead of irony?

While the synonyms humor and irony are close in meaning, humor implies an ability to perceive the ludicrous, the comical, and the absurd in human life and to express these usually without bitterness.

a sense of humor

When is it sensible to use repartee instead of irony?

The words repartee and irony are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, repartee implies the power of answering quickly, pointedly, or wittily.

a dinner guest noted for repartee

Where would sarcasm be a reasonable alternative to irony?

The meanings of sarcasm and irony largely overlap; however, sarcasm applies to expression frequently in the form of irony that is intended to cut or wound.

given to heartless sarcasm

When is satire a more appropriate choice than irony?

The synonyms satire and irony are sometimes interchangeable, but satire applies to writing that exposes or ridicules conduct, doctrines, or institutions either by direct criticism or more often through irony, parody, or caricature.

a satire on the Congress

When could wit be used to replace irony?

While in some cases nearly identical to irony, wit suggests the power to evoke laughter by remarks showing verbal felicity or ingenuity and swift perception especially of the incongruous.

a playful wit

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 irony The irony is that the night kicked off with Achraf Hakimi tapping home the opener but largely muting his celebrations against his former club. —Caoimhe O'Neill, New York Times, 1 June 2025 The irony, of course, is that Sunday’s play-in match took place after León was bounced from the Club World Cup because of a violation of ownership rules. —Jim Alexander, Oc Register, 1 June 2025 The irony is the Stars won this game thanks to a power play that was awful in this series against Edmonton last year. —Mac Engel, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 May 2025 The irony is suffocating: While the Romanian people ultimately made the right choice, the leadership of the United States—the very country that built and led the postwar liberal world order—was quietly rooting for the other side. —MSNBC Newsweek, 20 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for irony
Recent Examples of Synonyms for irony
  1. contradiction
  2. amusement
  3. paradox
  4. absurdity
  5. incongruity
  6. dichotomy
Noun
  • By contemporary standards, Hoefnagel is a study in contradictions.
    — Jonathon Keats, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025
  • On June 6, Venus enters Taurus and your relationship zone, encouraging you to make space for contradiction.
    — Colin Bedell, Them., 30 May 2025
Definition of contradiction
Noun
  • Nintendo is capitalizing on the launch with the opening of a store in San Francisco and the Super Nintendo World amusement facility in Orlando, Florida, both set for this month.
    — Ayaka Mcgill, Chicago Tribune, 5 June 2025
  • The amusement part was divided into the Alpine Center, Water World and Motor World.
    — Angela Andaloro, People.com, 28 May 2025
Definition of amusement
Noun
  • The omnichannel paradox presents a core challenge for multichannel marketers.
    — Seraj Bharwani, Forbes.com, 3 June 2025
  • As a result, Mexicans face the paradox that giving more power to the public may undercut their democracy.
    — Jack Nicas, New York Times, 31 May 2025
Definition of paradox
Noun
  • Delving deep into sublime absurdity, Elster transmuted Bowie into a broad range of peculiar characters.
    — Natasha Gural, Forbes.com, 22 May 2025
  • Mara opted to stay in her lane as a dramatic star to ground the absurdity of the film, including the antics between Robinson and Paul Rudd onscreen.
    — Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 19 May 2025
Definition of absurdity
Noun
  • Already concerned about the incongruity of having a comic yukking it up with what was happening with the AP and other outlets, the WHCA scrapped her.
    — Ted Johnson, Deadline, 27 Apr. 2025
  • Kirby’s incongruity is terrifying, so said someone much wiser than me.
    — Mitch Wallace, Forbes.com, 10 May 2025
Definition of incongruity
Noun
  • The public health experts said Kennedy's actions are setting up a dichotomy on public health.
    — Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 6 June 2025
  • The prior paragraph notwithstanding, 59 Productions breaks the dichotomy between individuals and duos.
    — Ben Zauzmer, HollywoodReporter, 3 June 2025
Definition of dichotomy

Browse Nearby Words

ironstone chinas
irony
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Cite this Entry

“Irony.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/irony. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on irony

Nglish: Translation of irony for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about irony

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