as in sarcastic
marked by the use of clever and often dark humor
The writer had a wry wit that was something of an acquired taste.
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Recent Examples of wry
The whimsical but wry perspective on Britishness that made the first two Paddingtons so watchable threatens to be intolerable when turned outward, like someone going from in-jokes to insult comedy.
—
Alison Willmore, Vulture, 14 Feb. 2025
Perhaps Cronin’s biggest ally in his bid to keep coaching is his wry sense of humor.
—Ben Bolch, Los Angeles Times, 13 Dec. 2024
From time to time over the years, polls and pollsters have piqued the wit and wry humor of many cartoonists.
—W. Joseph Campbell, Fortune, 29 Oct. 2024
But though there are wry laughs to be had, from the exquisite awkwardness of the setup alone, Babygirl was received by many as a comedy, which trivializes the extraordinary atmosphere that Reijn creates.
—Damon Wise, Deadline, 30 Aug. 2024
See All Example Sentences for wry
Alison Willmore, Vulture, 14 Feb. 2025
Perhaps Cronin’s biggest ally in his bid to keep coaching is his wry sense of humor.
—Ben Bolch, Los Angeles Times, 13 Dec. 2024
From time to time over the years, polls and pollsters have piqued the wit and wry humor of many cartoonists.
—W. Joseph Campbell, Fortune, 29 Oct. 2024
But though there are wry laughs to be had, from the exquisite awkwardness of the setup alone, Babygirl was received by many as a comedy, which trivializes the extraordinary atmosphere that Reijn creates.
—Damon Wise, Deadline, 30 Aug. 2024
See All Example Sentences for wry
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wry
Adjective
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His passion for all-things superhero has a giddy innocence to it even when his films are sarcastic or jokey.—
Tim Grierson,
Vulture,
11 July 2025
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Both of us were sarcastic and fun and funny, and always making jokes and pranks and just having fun with everybody on set.—
Daniela Avila,
People.com,
9 July 2025
Adjective
-
Making a brisk morning walk in the sun part of your daily routine can be a grounding, enjoyable experience.—
Ashley Olivine,
Verywell Health,
23 July 2025
-
When measuring the nation's collective fitness, the good news is Americans are more likely to take a brisk walk, play pickleball or lift weights.—
Ken Alltucker,
USA Today,
22 July 2025
Adjective
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Investigators learned that Zeng, during his alleged escape, threw clothing over a fence and climbed through barbed wire, Podgorski said.—
Justin Muszynski,
Hartford Courant,
14 July 2025
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This is the culmination of storylines, careers and blood feuds wrapped in a Lone Star barbed wire bow.—
Jenny Catlin,
New York Times,
12 July 2025
Adjective
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For example, Donald Trump’s approach to power reflects a deeply cynical view of human nature.—
Dave Winsborough,
Forbes.com,
19 July 2025
-
This Superman movie is the most cynical imaginable.—
Armond White,
National Review,
11 July 2025
Adjective
-
There is a place to scamper inside to escape the biting winds at Nordkapp — a visitor center with a coffee shop, theater, small museum and continental Europe’s northernmost post office.—
Dan Fellner,
AZCentral.com,
6 July 2025
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Share the research from 30 years ago that concludes these devices do not significantly reduce mosquito or biting insect populations.—
Markis Hill,
Kansas City Star,
4 July 2025
Adjective
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Joe, who has asthma, strongly opposes the implementation of mask mandates that Mayor Ted Garcia (Pedro Pascal) is keen to enforce.—
Barry Levitt,
Time,
23 July 2025
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That’s another substantive topic worthy of keen chatter.—
Lance Eliot,
Forbes.com,
22 July 2025
Adjective
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Which is to say the title of Portuguese director João Rosas‘ debut feature isn’t at all ironic: This droll, delightful romantic comedy is an ode to the good times that can be had amid and around heartache, and the healing that eventually comes out of that very conflict.—
Guy Lodge,
Variety,
10 July 2025
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His older brother, Shaquille Hollingsworth, said Harper's death is ironic, knowing his love of the water.—
Jade Jackson,
IndyStar,
9 July 2025
Adjective
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Her candidness, dry humor and emotional honesty resonated with thousands — some fellow transplant recipients, others simply inspired by her resilience.—
Jordan Greene,
People.com,
14 July 2025
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On the West Coast, vegetation grows back quickly, presenting a perennial wildfire risk in dry zones.—
Louis Gritzo,
Forbes.com,
15 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Wry.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wry. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.
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