WRY Synonyms: 61 Similar and Opposite Words

wry

adjective

Definition of wry

as in sarcastic

marked by the use of clever and often dark humor The writer had a wry wit that was something of an acquired taste.

Related Words

Relevance

Dissimilar Words

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of wry There is just enough wry humor—think Shaun of the Dead—sprinkled throughout to keep things from getting too grim, often deriving from Bryan’s cluelessness and general lack of skills. — Jennifer Ouellette, ArsTechnica, 22 Sep. 2026 Their bond deepens with the wry neuroses and gradually dropped defenses of many a midlife romantic comedy, though Parkinson’s complicates matters in unusual, empathetically explored ways. — Guy Lodge, Variety, 17 Sep. 2026 The festival has stoked best actor consideration for John Malkovich, whose wry turn in Wild Horse Nine has garnered abundant attention. — Chris Murphy, Vanity Fair, 6 Sep. 2026 Elaine May cut her teeth as an improvisational comedian alongside Mike Nichols before finding her wickedly sharp, wry writer’s voice and knack for directing in her debut film, A New Leaf (1971). — Air Mail, 5 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for wry

Recent Examples of Synonyms for wry

Adjective

The interest has been driven largely by the brand's casual, sarcastic tone and active participation in online trends.

— Megan Sauer, CNBC, 13 Oct. 2026
Before the constant stream of sarcastic Ultron commentary wears out its welcome around the series’ halfway point, the bad guy’s brevity is a nice counterpoint to all of the sentient ennui.

— David Fear, Rolling Stone, 12 Oct. 2026

Definition of sarcastic

Adjective

Though the Scandi brand was selling at a brisk pace to her online customers, Stover knew the economics weren’t going to work for the long term if every reorder was saddled with that kind of extra cost.

— Jessica Binns, Vogue, 12 Oct. 2026
The final product is a rousing, brisk, and genuinely inspiring biopic that never feels like homework.

— Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 12 Oct. 2026

Definition of brisk

Adjective

Attorneys for the country music icon’s estate claimed Seaver covered his front porch in barbed wire and yellow caution tape, thus delaying the formal delivery of the suit.

— Allison DeGrushe, StyleCaster, 6 Oct. 2026
Their long, barbed tongues can easily wind into ant and termite homes, licking up the bugs inside.

— Lauren Penington, Denver Post, 4 Oct. 2026

Definition of barbed

Adjective

This time, Michael sounds less idealistic and much more cynical.

— Noel Murray, Vulture, 16 Oct. 2026
Goor and Del Tredici are gearing up to debut their next NBC sitcom, a single-camera workplace comedy starring Jake Johnson as a cynical detective working at a past-its-prime private investigator agency in Hollywood.

— Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of cynical

Adjective

Her version is louder and more biting, but never at the sacrifice of the track’s spirit.

— Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 3 Oct. 2026
In 2022, Lee County’s Mosquito Control District decided to try aiming radiation at mosquitoes instead, specifically the biting, disease-carrying kind — Aedes aegypti.

— Alex Harris, Miami Herald, 21 Sep. 2026

Definition of biting

Adjective

There's good reason families are increasingly keen to cut college costs.

— Jessica Dickler, CNBC, 15 Oct. 2026
The textual literalism that dominates the action is shown up by a few moments of keen-eyed observation—above all, in a calm but mighty reveal in Alberto’s episode.

— Richard Brody, New Yorker, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of keen

Adjective

But in an ironic twist, part of the parking lot was underwater, a tractor had raised a berm to hold back the ocean, and just to the south, homes were being thrashed by waves.

— Steve Lopez, Los Angeles Times, 17 Oct. 2026
But if the ironic remove of his comic voice was part of what allowed Macdonald to speak so many uncomfortable truths, Apatow creating a remove of his own is justifiable.

— Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of ironic

Adjective

Although the region got some rain Sunday and Monday, most of it fell in areas south of Los Angeles County, leaving Los Angeles and Ventura counties very dry.

— Jack Dolan, Los Angeles Times, 14 Oct. 2026
Combine turkey stock or chicken broth and dry red wine in a large glass measuring cup.

— Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Oct. 2026