ironically

UK: /aɪˈrɒnɪk^əli/

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

ironically / aɪˈrɒnɪkəlɪ/ adverb

1. (sentence modifier) it is ironic that: ironically, the move had the opposite effect to the one intended
2. in an ironic manner: I laughed ironically

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2025

i•ron•ic /aɪˈrɑnɪk/  also iˈron•i•cal, adj. 

1. of, relating to, containing, or showing irony or mockery:
   an ironic smile.
   [it + be + ~ + that clause]
   It is ironic that in peacetime they spent more on the military than during wartime.
2. using irony:
   an ironic writer.

i•ron•i•cal•ly, adv. 

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025

i•ron•ic  (ī ron′ik), adj. 

1. containing or exemplifying irony:
   an ironic novel; an ironic remark.
2. ironical.
3. coincidental;
   unexpected:
   It was ironic that I was seated next to my ex-husband at the dinner.

• Greek eirōnikós dissembling, insincere. See irony, -ic
• Late Latin īrōnicus
• 1620–30

ironic, +adj. 

1. coincidental;
   unexpected:
   It was ironic that I was seated next to my ex-husband at the dinner.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025

i•ron•i•cal  (ī ron′i kəl), adj. 

1. pertaining to, of the nature of, exhibiting, or characterized by irony or mockery:
   an ironical compliment; an ironical smile.
2. using or prone to irony:
   an ironical speaker.

• ironic + -al¹ 1570–80

i•ron′i•cal•ly, adv. 
i•ron′i•cal•ness, n. 
Synonyms

• 1, 2. sarcastic, sardonic.