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 Word Forms

• nonironically adverb
• semi-ironically adverb
• unironically adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of ironically¹

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

Example Sentences

But curiously, and perhaps ironically, his range of interests, though in fact reprising venerable leftwing sympathies, may also chime with the sort of conservatism that values settled skills and customs—a settled pace of life.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

She used a procedural hearing ahead of the trial to take shots at the prosecution, wearing a shirt ironically branded with the words "Modern Day Terrorist".

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But ironically enough, none of the characters who communicate these themes have their name in the title.

Read more on Salon

A mascot for a soccer club known ironically as the Brewers has been relieved of his duties after stumbling around during a match.

Read more on MarketWatch

But kicks are getting longer - in the past 14 months Prater's 64-yard mark has been equalled or bettered four times, the latest being the ironically named Cam Little's huge 68-yard effort on Sunday.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• amusingly www.thesaurus.com
• jokingly www.thesaurus.com