C1adjectivelanguageemotions
US/raɪ/
UK/raɪ/
showing dry, slightly mocking humor, often with a small twist of the mouth
In context
He gave a wry smile when he heard that the meeting had been canceled again.
She has a wry sense of humor that takes some people a while to notice.
The author makes wry comments about life in a small town.
Words that go with wry
adjective + noun
- wry smileShe gave him a wry smile and shook her head.
- wry humorThe film is full of wry humor about office life.
- wry commentHis wry comment made everyone laugh.
- wry observationThe book is a wry observation of modern manners.
- wry lookHe gave her a wry look across the table.
- wry toneShe spoke in a wry tone that hid her disappointment.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
He gave a rye smile.Correct: He gave a wry smile.