Word
ironically
Phoneticsiron·i·cal·ly, stress on the second syllable
US/aɪˈɹɑnɪkɫi/
UK/aɪɹˈɒnɪkli/
Sentence adverb
Definitions
01describing a strange coincidence
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adv. used to point out that a situation is funny or strange because it is the exact opposite of what was intended.
adv. used as a sentence adverb to highlight a situational irony where the outcome is perversely contrary to what was expected.
“Ironically, the lifeguard had to be rescued from the water after he got a cramp.”
“Ironically, the very technology designed to save us time often results in us spending more hours managed by our devices.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
02speaking with irony
C1 · Advanced Formal
adv. saying something in a way that shows you do not really mean it, often to be funny or critical.
adv. in a manner characterized by linguistic irony, where the intended meaning is the opposite of the literal expression.
“He smiled ironically when she suggested that the project would be finished on time.”
“The critic spoke ironically about the director's 'masterpiece', making it clear through his tone that he found the film amateurish.”
Synonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “ironically” in context.
Verb
01. ironically note that-clause
“The historian ironically noted that the peace treaty was signed just days before the largest battle of the war.”
adv + verb + that-clause
02. ironically observe that-clause
“Critics ironically observed that the film about minimalism was the most expensive production of the year.”
adv + verb + that-clause
03. ironically point out that-clause
“She ironically pointed out that the company's new environmental policy involved printing thousands of paper brochures.”
adv + verb + that-clause
04. ironically titled the book
“He ironically titled the book 'A Short History' despite it being over a thousand pages long.”
adv + verb + noun
Adjective
05. ironically detached tone
“The journalist wrote with an ironically detached tone while describing the chaotic events at the gala.”
adv + adj + noun
06. ironically self-aware humor
“The comedian is famous for her ironically self-aware humor regarding her own privileged upbringing.”
adv + adj + noun
Real-World Examples
“Ironically, this same cascade that energizes plants and soil microbes reduces their diversity.” “But now, considering the lack of commitment to democratic traditions in the Bolsonarismo movement , this trend risks being derailed, ironically, by means of a democratic election.” “Serie A’s first goalless draw of this season arrived in its 54th match, ironically between two of its more prolific teams.” “Ironically, many of the managers now judging Gen Z applicants are millennials, the generation once labeled "entitled" .” Etymology
From ironic + -ally.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · AdvancedOxford
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/ironically