C2adjectivelanguage
US/aɪˈrɑː.nɪk/
UK/aɪˈrɒn.ɪk/
strange or funny because it is the opposite of what you expected; also saying the opposite of what you mean
In context
It's ironic that the fire station burned down last night.
In an ironic twist, the health minister was caught smoking.
She gave an ironic smile when he said the meeting would be short.
Words that go with ironic
adjective + noun
- ironic twistIn an ironic twist, the weather app failed during the storm.
- ironic smileHe answered every question with an ironic smile.
- ironic toneHer ironic tone made it clear she didn't agree.
adverb + adjective
- deeply ironicIt is deeply ironic that a peace prize winner started a war.
- somewhat ironicIt's somewhat ironic that the time management course started late.
- slightly ironicHe said 'great job' in a slightly ironic way.
- bitterly ironicIt was bitterly ironic that he died on the day he retired.