ironically

[ ahy-ron-ik-lee ]

adverb

1. in a way that uses words to mean the opposite of what they normally mean, or makes an obvious exaggeration or understatement, as a joke or in order to make a point:

   French author Voltaire ironically commented on war, “It is forbidden to kill; therefore all murderers are punished unless they kill in large numbers and to the sound of trumpets.”

2. in a way that is the opposite of what would be expected, often as a remarkable coincidence:

   Ironically, one of the main messages of this text on warfare is how to avoid battle through meticulous preparation and planning.

Other Words From

• non·i·ron·i·cal·ly adverb
• sem·i-i·ron·i·cal·ly adverb
• un·i·ron·i·cal·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of ironically¹

First recorded in 1530–40; ironical ( def ) + -ly

Example Sentences

They all called the Mach-E a “Mustang,” and they did not do so ironically.

From Popular-Science

Doing so is a teachable skill and, ironically, there is plenty of information on the web about it that could credibly form the basis of a curriculum for the military.

From Time

A lack of cases ironically leads to a growing population susceptible to infection, so future outbreaks could be larger and more unpredictable.

From Science News

One of the things built into life itself is, ironically, impermanence and the capacity to change.

From Nautilus

Standard cybersecurity practice is to keep your software up to date—so most SolarWinds customers, ironically, were protected because they had failed to heed that advice.

From MIT Technology Review

Ironically, the play deals with the ‘management’ of information by the Establishment.

From The Daily Beast

Ironically, this is the one precept on which liberals and conservatives agree.

From The Daily Beast

Ironically, unlike Dukakis and apparently Paul, Bill Clinton and Al Gore had each “read the memo” back in the day.

From The Daily Beast

Ironically, as pope, his championing of the poor has given Liberation Theology a new lease on life.

From The Daily Beast

Ironically, there are parts of it that I think the North Koreans will love, but other parts they are going to really hate.

From The Daily Beast

"You may put strategy out of the definition, leaving in the woman," she continued ironically.

From Project Gutenberg

He could even hear the professor's voice as he ironically pronounced upon sordid little despots of Bassett's stamp.

From Project Gutenberg

A parchment in Hindustani, given jestingly or ironically by a humorous old chap in orders and white linen and rhinoceros sandals.

From Project Gutenberg

“Now you are doomed indeed,” Hildebrand commented, ironically.

From Project Gutenberg

"Good night," Wade said ironically, with a last look at Moran.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• amusingly
• jokingly