irony

noun

(rhetoric) The quality of a statement that, when taken in context, may actually mean something different from, or the opposite of, what is written literally; the use of words expressing something other than their literal intention, often in a humorous context.

(informal) Contradiction between circumstances and expectations; condition contrary to what might be expected.

(countable) An ironic statement.

Dramatic irony: a theatrical effect in which the meaning of a situation, or some incongruity in the plot, is understood by the audience, but not by the characters in the play.

Socratic irony: ignorance feigned for the purpose of confounding or provoking an antagonist.

(childish, dated) A kind of metallic marble.

adjective

Of or pertaining to the metal iron.

Roots

eironeiairon- · Greek · feigned ignorance

Synonyms for irony

sarcasmn satiren humorn cynicismn parodyn paradoxn witn punningn

Synonyms & related words for irony

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Words related to irony

Explore words related to irony — words associated with it, words that go with it, and its nearest matches in meaning. Related words include ironist, ironic, ironical, ironically, wryly, facetiousness, backhandedness, trenchancy. Click any word to make it the center of the map and keep exploring the web of connections.

Synonyms for irony

Common synonyms for irony include sarcasm, satire, humor, cynicism, parody, paradox, wit, punning — words that share a close meaning. Hover or tap any word on the map for its definition and part of speech.

Where does irony come from?

The word irony breaks down into one root of Greek origin: the root iron-, from Greek eironeia (“feigned ignorance”). Explore each root to see other English words built from the same source.