ironic
Americanadjective
-
using words to convey a meaning that is the opposite of its literal meaning; containing or exemplifying irony.
an ironic novel; an ironic remark.
-
of, relating to, or tending to use irony or mockery; ironical.
-
coincidental; unexpected.
It was ironic that I was seated next to my ex-husband at the dinner.
adjective
Other Word Forms
- ironicalness noun
- nonironic adjective
- semi-ironic adjective
Etymology
Origin of ironic
First recorded in 1620–30; from Late Latin īrōnicus, from Greek eirōnikós “dissembling, insincere;” irony 1, -ic
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The mayor’s criticism is ironic given that the hospitals are nonprofits.
As the name suggests, players attempt to avoid virtual tsunamis and collect rewards called “brainrots,” characters that offer an ironic nod to the concept of mindless, addictive entertainment.
From Barron's
But the title isn’t ironic, and it gives you a hint as to what’s contained within.
From Salon
He preserves an ironic detachment, refusing to take sides between the colonial French forces and the Communists fighting to take control of the country.
Casual investors tend to focus on earnings and are often less familiar with free cash flow, which is ironic.
From Barron's
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
