Dictionary
ironic
adjective iron·ic \ˌī-ˈrä-nik also i-ˈrä-\
: using words that mean the opposite of what you really think especially in order to be funny
: strange or funny because something (such as a situation) is different from what you expected
Full Definition of IRONIC
1
: relating to, containing, or constituting irony <an ironic remark> <an ironic coincidence>
2
: given to irony <an ironic sense of humor>
— iron·i·cal·ness \-ni-kəl-nəs\ noun
See ironic defined for English-language learners
See ironic defined for kids
Variants of IRONIC
iron·ic also iron·i·cal \-ni-kəl\
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First Known Use of IRONIC
1576
Synonym Discussion of IRONIC
sarcastic, satiric, ironic, sardonic mean marked by bitterness and a power or will to cut or sting. sarcastic implies an intentional inflicting of pain by deriding, taunting, or ridiculing <a critic known for his sarcastic remarks>. satiric implies that the intent of the ridiculing is censure and reprobation <a satiric look at contemporary society>. ironic implies an attempt to be amusing or provocative by saying usually the opposite of what is meant <made the ironic observation that the government could always be trusted>. sardonic implies scorn, mockery, or derision that is manifested by either verbal or facial expression <surveyed the scene with a sardonic smile>.
Other Literature Terms
Rhymes with IRONIC
Aaronic, atonic, benthonic, bionic, boronic, Brittonic, Brythonic, bubonic, Byronic, canonic, carbonic, colonic, cyclonic, daimonic, demonic, draconic, dystonic, euphonic, hadronic, harmonic, hedonic, hydronic, iconic, ionic, Ionic, laconic, Masonic, mnemonic, moronic, neutronic, photonic, phytonic, planktonic, platonic, plutonic, pneumonic, pythonic, sardonic, sermonic, Slavonic, subsonic, symphonic, synchronic, tectonic, Teutonic, transonic
IRONICAL Defined for Kids
ironic
adjective iron·ic \ī-ˈrä-nik\
Definition of IRONIC for Kids
: relating to, containing, or showing irony <It was ironic that the robber's car crashed into the police station.>
— iron·i·cal·ly \-i-kə-lē\ adverb
Variants of IRONIC
iron·ic also iron·i·cal \-ni-kəl\
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