ironically

adverb

iron·​i·​cal·​ly ˌī-ˈrä-ni-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce ironically (audio)
 also  i-ˈrä-
1
: in an ironic manner
2
: it is ironic, curious, or surprising

Examples of ironically in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
None of it has really stuck, even ironically, on the right. Ali Breland, The Atlantic, 8 Mar. 2025 Cuban, ironically, is one billionaire who gets the spirit of the left. Hanna Trudo, The Hill, 7 Mar. 2025 Latino politicians, ironically, have matured to the point of being like other politicians: more focused on power and partisanship than on solving the problems of a community that has been clear about its priorities for decades. Mike Madrid, The Mercury News, 7 Mar. 2025 Even during bad economies, when layoffs are rampant and often more justified, the results are similar — and that’s according to Bain & Company, which, ironically, consults for firms that make cuts. Mark Dent, thehustle.co, 7 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for ironically

Word History

First Known Use

1576, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of ironically was in 1576

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Ironically.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ironically. Accessed 13 Mar. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!