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

: relating to, containing, or constituting irony <an ironic remark> <an ironic coincidence>

: given to irony <an ironic sense of humor>

— iron·i·cal·ness \-ni-kəl-nəs\ noun

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Variants of IRONIC

iron·ic also iron·i·cal \-ni-kəl\

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>.