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

This is especially true when Alanis questions whether life can be a little too ironic.

From Salon

She speaks in a soft voice and her answers are modest and unpretentious, though sometimes slightly ironic—a distinctive Galician trait.

From Science Magazine

“We tried this Bob Dylan-y thing, like …” she rattles off a rapid-fire nonsense representation of “Subterranean Homesick Blues,” “then we went through something more funky, more ironic, kind of Talking Heads,” she says, laughing.

From Los Angeles Times

“Most of those ideas are sinkholes for government spending, which is ironic given the Trump administration’s purported devotion to efficiency.”

From Los Angeles Times

How destructive his term will be remains unknowable, but his helter-skelter, vengeance-fueled approach to wielding power may have the ironic effect of impeding his ability to deliver on his more radical promises.

From Salon

Related Words

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