ironically

[ ahy-ron-ik-lee ]

adverb

1. in a way that uses words to mean the opposite of what they normally mean, or makes an obvious exaggeration or understatement, as a joke or in order to make a point:

   French author Voltaire ironically commented on war, “It is forbidden to kill; therefore all murderers are punished unless they kill in large numbers and to the sound of trumpets.”

2. in a way that is the opposite of what would be expected, often as a remarkable coincidence:

   Ironically, one of the main messages of this text on warfare is how to avoid battle through meticulous preparation and planning.

Other Words From

• non·i·ron·i·cal·ly adverb
• sem·i-i·ron·i·cal·ly adverb
• un·i·ron·i·cal·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of ironically¹

First recorded in 1530–40; ironical ( def ) + -ly

Example Sentences

Ironically, Kane was left on the bench in favour of Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins in a brave selection call which brought instant dividends with the opening goal after seven minutes.

From BBC

Ironically, the fragmentation of news delivery has also delocalized us, as events near and far flow toward us in a torrent of collapsed context.

From Slate

Zuckerberg, 40, perhaps ironically described the track as a "lyrical masterpiece", and has released his version under the name Z-Pain.

From BBC

The world clearly values my work, and yet, ironically, little of that value expressed ends up back with me.

From Salon

Ironically, much of the funding has gone to red, or majority Republican, states — which may help to preserve it.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• amusingly
• jokingly