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

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

It’s a medicated but functioning limbo that Peet, in one of her best roles, conveys without the slightest trace of pity but with a coursing, wryly emotional intelligence that always reveals the sadness fueling it.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 3, 2026

She could be wryly funny about the impossibility of escaping her past; in time, her exasperation with endlessly retelling the story of her childhood became an aspect of the story.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 18, 2026

Trump at the time called Merz "a very good man to deal with" and wryly said he could be "difficult" -- a comment that was however widely read as approving rather than critical.

From Barron's • Mar. 2, 2026

In the brutal terrain of female cliques, beauty remains a potent, if unreliable, weapon — one which Amos, her grin a glistening pink, wryly acknowledges and critiques.

From Salon • Feb. 19, 2026

“Well, look what the bloody cat dragged in,” she says wryly when I walk through the door.

From "I Am the Messenger" by Markus Zusak