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

Other Word Forms

• ironicalness noun
• nonironic adjective
• semi-ironic 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

“The Moody Blues are not cool or ironic — they’re not a construct,” Wilson added.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Then, the wine mom moved into her final, ironic stage: the surrealist meme, a dadaist take that almost brings the trope back to its real-life roots.

Read more on Salon

One ironic artifact is a letter to a friend of Otto Frank’s from an unnamed Viking editor—the signature is illegible—rejecting the manuscript.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

"There has been no listening which is ironic for a charity that's all about listening."

Read more on BBC

Sitting across from him at Canter’s, I also notice he appears to be a bit cross-eyed, which I find ironic because I always thought he had a wandering eye.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• arrogant 
• caustic 
• incongruous 
• mocking 
• paradoxical 
• ridiculous 
• sardonic 
• satiric www.thesaurus.com
• satirical 
• twisted 
• unexpected 
• wry