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

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

The gulf is better described by their fans' ironic cheers when a wicket finally fell, or by the fact those in attendance left before the floodlights had taken hold.

From BBC

The ironic thing is that those affectations made her, somehow, more authentically herself.

From Los Angeles Times

Adds Benji: “Hasn’t our band always been a little ironic, though?”

From Los Angeles Times

Sturgeon adds that "it was deeply ironic that those who subjected me to this level of hatred and misogynistic abuse often claimed to be doing so in the interests of women's safety".

From BBC

Related Words

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