IronyA situation or expression with an unexpected contrast between appearance and reality. is a word with two main meanings. It can describe sharp, cutting language used to mockTo make fun of someone in a cruel or teasing way. someone, or it can describe a surprising mismatchA difference or clash between two things that should fit or agree. between what is expected and what actually happens.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-12. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Pronunciation
AI-generated pronunciation audio (OpenAI).
Accent: General American English
IPA: /ˈaɪərni/
Easy pronunciation: EYE-er-nee (approximate spelling).
Stress: Stress the first syllable.
Pronunciation for the noun meaning mocking or scornful language.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-12. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Irony Meaning
language that means the opposite of what it says, often to mock or criticize
Part of speech: noun
Definition: witty language used to convey insults or scorn
Example: Her irony made everyone in the room uncomfortable.
Synonyms for this meaning:
- sarcasm — A close substitute when irony means mocking or scornful speech.
- caustic remark — Works as a related substitute only when the focus is on a harsh, biting comment.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: inaccurate — correction needed. Checked: 2026-10-12. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Other Meanings of Irony
Meaning 2
a literary or rhetorical effect based on a strong contrast between expectation and reality
Part of speech: noun
Definition: a trope that involves incongruity between what is expected and what occurs
Example: The story uses irony to create a painful contrast between hope and outcome.
Meaning 3
a situation that turns out in a surprising or opposite way
Part of speech: noun
Definition: incongruity between what might be expected and what actually occurs
Example: It was one of those moments of irony when the fire station burned down.
Synonyms for this meaning:
- satire — Only weakly related here; satire is mainly a form of criticism, not the situation itself.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: inaccurate — correction needed. Checked: 2026-10-12. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Irony Synonyms
Similar Meaning
- sarcasm
- caustic remark
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: uncertain — manual review needed. Checked: 2026-10-12. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Common Mistakes
- People often confuse irony with sarcasm. Sarcasm is a type of mocking speech, while irony can also describe a situation.
- Irony is not the same as coincidence. Irony usually involves an unexpected or meaningful contrast, not just two events happening together.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-12. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does irony mean in simple English?
Irony means either sharp, mocking language or a situation that turns out in an unexpectedly opposite way.
Is sarcasm the same as irony?
No. Sarcasm is a type of mocking speech, while irony can also refer to an unexpected contrast in a situation or story.
What is an example of irony?
It is ironic when a fire station burns down, because you expect it to be the place that stays safe from fire.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-12. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.