wryly

American  

[rahy-lee] / ˈraɪ li /

adverb

1. in a mockingly or amusingly ironic way.

   It will be an evening of wryly thoughtful musing, whimsical conversation, and a few old-timey songs.

2. in a bitter or scornful way; sardonically.

   The writer wryly adds that he has complete faith in humanity's ability to wake up at the alarm and promptly hit the snooze button.

3. in a distorted, bent, or lopsided manner.

   His lips twisted wryly at the acknowledgment.

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Etymology

Origin of wryly

wry ( def. ) + -ly

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Explanation

The adverb wryly describes something that is done in a wry manner, like making a clever comment or witty observation. Things that are wry are funny but don't necessarily make you laugh, and that applies to speaking and writing wryly as well. This word describes an action that is amusing — or shows amusement — in a droll, sardonic, ironic or grim way. Biting one-liners and deadpan jokes alike are uttered wryly. If you publicly insist you could dunk a basketball but are under six feet tall, you might see a few pairs of eyebrows raised wryly in your direction.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

wryly

“Always,” Ms. Korsgaard wryly notes of the Russian émigré, “order nestles side by side with ardor.”

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 11, 2026

“My wife probably learned this many years ago,” he says wryly.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 29, 2026

"I've been reading romance since I was old enough to borrow my mum's books when I probably shouldn't have been," she said wryly.

From BBC ● Jul. 12, 2026

Artists, she noted wryly, often prove difficult to categorize within bureaucratic systems.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 7, 2026

After a long, uncomfortable silence, Heqet said wryly, “Do I make myself unpleasant, as the viper said to the asp?”

From "The Golden Goblet" by Eloise Jarvis McGraw

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