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.

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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 Croatian literature, at least back then, was largely dominated by historical and war traumas, and the storytelling was often deeply mired in irony, satire, and even cynicism; oftentimes relying on shocking the reader in order to hook them or evoke emotion. —Lidija Hilje july 8, Literary Hub, 8 July 2025 The irony of a post-George W. Bush government possibly recognizing this despite also being inclined to sleepwalk into a disastrous Middle East war is strange and potent. —Miles Klee, Rolling Stone, 10 July 2025 Then, in one of football’s crueler ironies, the very first fall after he gets cut, the Broncos go 10-7 and snap that postseason curse like an old branch. —Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 10 July 2025 The irony of Rollins now leading a dominant faction with a young powerhouse in its ranks is not lost on many fans. —Andrew Ravens‎, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 July 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
  • That contradiction stems, in part, from our dependence on sprawl.
    — Marina Bolotnikova, Vox, 7 July 2025
  • Harold himself was always fascinated by the contradictions in people.
    — Nicole Krauss, The Atlantic, 6 July 2025
Definition of contradiction
Noun
  • Things to do: Number of sports teams, number of amusement places and arcades per capita, number of Traveler's Choice attractions per capita.
    — Brandi D. Addison, Austin American Statesman, 22 July 2025
  • The amusement company currently operates 42 parks across the United States, Mexico and Canada, according to its website.
    — Chad Murphy, Cincinnati Enquirer, 18 July 2025
Definition of amusement
Noun
  • Yet what greets these consumers is a paradox of choice: too many options, too little guidance, and no trusted advisor to lead the way.
    — Joseph Coughlin, Forbes.com, 21 July 2025
  • His style, as carefully layered as his father’s clothing, is one of punctilious paradox—the paradox being that Dyer is always performing not performing.
    — James Wood, New Yorker, 14 July 2025
Definition of paradox
Noun
  • Amid the absurdity, the women slowly chip away at each other’s defences – finding unexpected friendship, meaning, and a strange kind of freedom.
    — Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 8 July 2025
  • The set piece is exhilarating, not exhausting, and the heightened absurdity of it all is part of the fun.
    — Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 3 July 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
  • Attorney Chad Dunn, who is representing a group of plaintiffs in the lawsuit, said the dichotomy is evidence of political opportunism.
    — John C. Moritz, Austin American Statesman, 14 July 2025
  • Take Jean-Michel Basquiat for model, whose exploration of a repertoire of ideas was firmly rooted in ‘suggestive dichotomies’ between 1980s NYC and a panoply of heroic figures, saints, and kings that evoked Catholic Haitian traditions.
    — Matthew Carey Salyer, Forbes.com, 9 July 2025
Definition of dichotomy

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Cite this Entry

“Irony.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/irony. Accessed 30 Jul. 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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