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

• nonironic adjective
• semi-ironic adjective
• ironicalness noun

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

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

From 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.

From Los Angeles Times

Tragic and ironic, since Kirk saw himself as a champion of free speech, even as his critics often disagreed with that framing.

From BBC

That sapiens is Latin for “wise” can just seem like an ironic joke.

From Los Angeles Times

It’s painfully ironic that Oliphant could look at the world so hard, for so long, and be repaid with the slow loss of his eyesight, as Banowsky finds toward the end of the film.

From Salon

Related Words

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