Ironic — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

adjective /ˌī-ˈrä-nik/ iron·ic

Meaning & Definition of Ironic

Ironic (adjective)

  1. relating to, containing, or constituting irony
  2. given to irony

Ironic (adjective) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. 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"

    similar: cynical, dry, wry, brisk, cross, sharp-tongued, sour, sourish, spiky, tartish, incisive, keen, poignant, trenchant, acerb, acerbic, acid, acidic, acidulous, acrid, barbed, biting, caustic, corrosive, cutting, mordant, pungent, sarcastic, sardonic, satiric, scalding, scathing, sharp, smart-aleck, smart-alecky, smart-mouthed, snarky, tart, facetious, flippant, tongue-in-cheek, acrimonious, bitter, resentful, vitriolic, harsh, rough, severe, stringent, backhanded, insincere
    opposite: gentle, mild, bland, good-humored, good-natured, diplomatic, polite, smooth, suave, urbane, affable, cordial, genial, gracious, hospitable, sociable

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Ironic

The most common words with a similar meaning to Ironic:

cynical, dry, wry, brisk, cross, sharp-tongued, sour, sourish, spiky, tartish, incisive, keen, poignant, trenchant, acerb, acerbic, acid, acidic, acidulous, acrid, barbed, biting, caustic, corrosive, cutting, mordant, pungent, sarcastic, sardonic, satiric, scalding, scathing, sharp, smart-aleck, smart-alecky, smart-mouthed, snarky, tart, facetious, flippant

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Ironic

Words with the opposite meaning of Ironic:

gentle, mild, bland, good-humored, good-natured, diplomatic, polite, smooth, suave, urbane, affable, cordial, genial, gracious, hospitable, sociable

Word Forms of Ironic

Derived words: ironicalness (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Ironic

First known use: 1576

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Ironic

Frequently Asked Questions about Ironic

What does "Ironic" mean?

"Ironic" means relating to, containing, or constituting irony. As an adjective, it is defined as: relating to, containing, or constituting irony.

What is another word for "Ironic"?

Other words for "Ironic" include cynical, dry, wry, brisk, cross, sharp-tongued, sour and sourish. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Ironic" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Ironic"?

There are 51 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Ironic". Common alternatives include cynical, dry, wry, brisk, cross, sharp-tongued, sour, sourish, spiky and tartish.

What is the opposite of "Ironic"?

Antonyms of "Ironic" include gentle, mild, bland, good-humored, good-natured, diplomatic, polite and smooth.

How do you use "Ironic" in a sentence?

Examples of "Ironic" in a sentence: "a book written in an ironic style"; "an ironic sense of humor".

Is "Ironic" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Ironic" is an adjective.

Is "Ironic" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a C1-level word, "Ironic" is typical of Cambridge C1 Advanced (CAE), IELTS band 7.0–8.0, TOEFL iBT 95–113, PTE Academic 76–84, TOEIC Listening & Reading 945+. Advanced words like this are also useful for the GRE, SAT, GMAT, and LSAT.

How do you pronounce "Ironic"?

"Ironic" is pronounced /ˌī-ˈrä-nik/ and divided into syllables as iron·ic.