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.
Marathon is also the next game from Bungie, the makers of the legendary shooters Halo and Destiny (two franchises that, ironically, the COD publisher Activision has its tendrils in). — Jordan Minor, PC Magazine, 26 Oct. 2026 But the big mistake, ironically, was the ACA’s lack of focus on affordability. — Dana P. Goldman, STAT, 22 Oct. 2026 The closest was ironically this year’s Wild Horse Nine Best Actor frontrunner John Malkovich, who played himself in 1999’s Being John Malkovich. — Pete Hammond, Deadline, 19 Oct. 2026 Herbert Nordrum chooses the funniest — and, ironically, maybe most British — possible allegory when describing his involvement in Georgia Oakley’s Sense and Sensibility. — Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 15 Oct. 2026 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

Rhymes for ironically

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Browse Nearby Words

ironic
ironically
ironicalness
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Cite this Entry

“Ironically.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ironically. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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