What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
wry
Example
He gave me a wry smile when I told him the news. [wry: adjective]
Example
She made a wry comment about the terrible weather. [wry: adjective]
Example
The wry twist at the end of the story caught me off guard. [wry: noun]
cynical
Example
He has a cynical view of politics and politicians. [cynical: adjective]
Example
Her cynical attitude towards love and relationships is understandable given her past experiences. [cynical: adjective]
Example
His cynical remark about the company's motives was met with silence. [cynical: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Cynical is more commonly used than wry in everyday language, especially in discussions of politics, society, and culture. Wry is less common and is often used in more literary or creative contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between wry and cynical?
Both wry and cynical can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but wry is often associated with a more playful or lighthearted tone, while cynical can be associated with a more serious or negative tone.
