ironic

[ ahy-ron-ik ]

adjective

1. using words to convey a meaning that is the opposite of its literal meaning; containing or exemplifying irony:

   an ironic novel; an ironic remark.

2. of, relating to, or tending to use irony or mockery; ironical.
3. coincidental; unexpected:

   It was ironic that I was seated next to my ex-husband at the dinner.

ironic

/ aɪˈrɒnɪk /

adjective

1. of, characterized by, or using irony

Derived Forms

• iˈronicalness, noun

Other Words From

• noni·ronic adjective
• semi-i·ronic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of ironic¹

First recorded in 1620–30; from Late Latin īrōnicus, from Greek eirōnikós “dissembling, insincere;” irony ¹, -ic

Example Sentences

In its own ironic way, Halloween has always offered a brief respite from real-world horrors.

From Washington Post

That’s quite ironic coming from the head of a company whose products are used in operations that contribute to serious human rights violations.

From Fortune

The collection, which includes 15 pieces, reflects Abloh’s signature “ironic” style.

From Fortune

It is ironic that the integrity of the second law of thermodynamics, which is responsible for irreversibility in the world, is safeguarded at the micro level by this reversibility.

From Quanta Magazine

The title may sound ironic, but it wasn’t intended that way.

From Freakonomics

So it was ironic a couple of months later when the Tea Partiers were railing against it—it had already expired.

From The Daily Beast

Ironic, since it was originally meant to suppress sugar lust.

From The Daily Beast

How ironic that the Hermit Kingdom is taking the blame for our first real look inside a clique that not even Vice dares penetrate.

From The Daily Beast

How ironic and unfortunate that the critics tend to focus on one “bad” class or the other.

From The Daily Beast

To them, they were being ironic and funny, and proving how ‘liberal’ they were.

From The Daily Beast

So this was the curious and ironic fact; the nation had been saved—but only to be handed over to the money-changers!

From Project Gutenberg

As the Tassos reached for him, a last ironic thought drifted through Hendricks mind.

From Project Gutenberg

Gray, silent in the shadows, laughed a bitter, ironic laugh.

From Project Gutenberg

There was a suggestion of the ludicrous, a faint ironic aroma, in the phrase, which aroused angry passions.

From Project Gutenberg

My friend S— the elder passed me on the other side of the street with a wave of the hand and an ironic smile.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• arrogant
• caustic
• incongruous
• mocking
• paradoxical
• ridiculous
• sardonic
• satiric
• satirical
• twisted
• unexpected
• wry