Meaning & use
irony
A situation or expression in which the intended or actual meaning is the opposite of what is said or expected.
See it in a sentence
It was pure irony that the fire station burned down during a fire safety inspection.
The critic's use of irony made it clear she actually despised the film she was praising.
A note on using this word
Irony is often confused with simple coincidence or bad luck; true irony requires a clear contrast between expectation and outcome, or literal and intended meaning.
Words with a similar meaning
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