What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
ironic
Example
It's ironic that the firefighter's house burned down.
Example
Isn't it ironic that the traffic reporter got stuck in traffic?
Example
It's ironic that the environmentalist drives a gas-guzzling car.
wry
Example
He gave me a wry smile when I told him I was going to be a comedian.
Example
Her wry sense of humor always caught me off guard.
Example
The politician made a wry comment about his opponent's latest scandal.
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Ironic is more commonly used than wry in everyday language, and it covers a wider range of contexts. Wry is a more specialized word that is often used in the context of humor and sarcasm.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between ironic and wry?
Ironic can be used in both formal and informal contexts, while wry has a more informal and playful connotation that makes it more suitable for informal contexts.
