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.

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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 Romano’s wry, hangdog default demeanor suits his character, Joe, a father of two who’s separated from his wife (Penelope Ann Miller) and living in a depressing motel. — Judy Berman, Time, 11 Aug. 2026 From Melikova’s intimate prose and local industry connections arises an essential sensory texture of national belonging, alongside a moral register sharp enough to carry a critical charge and light enough to keep it wry. — Sonya Vseliubska, IndieWire, 7 Aug. 2026 Neill Blomkamp has yet to top District 9, but this one comes closest to matching his debut’s wry social commentary and borderline-comedic grotesqueries. — Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 7 Aug. 2026 The Australian limped into his news conference with a wry smile on his face after getting past Tsitsipas in three sets. — Matthew Futterman, New York Times, 1 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for wry

Recent Examples of Synonyms for wry

Adjective

Roberts corrected himself after an impressive dive from Komander, who received a loud, sarcastic pop.

— Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026
The department’s post drew skeptical and sarcastic reactions from commenters who wondered whether the missing $30 called for a public search.

— Stephen Sorace, FOXNews.com, 23 Aug. 2026

Definition of sarcastic

Adjective

The pacing is more frenetic, the narration more biting, the flashbacks more jarring, and the comedowns much harsher.

— Hannah Giorgis Yohannes, Vanity Fair, 13 July 2026
Described as a biting political thriller in the tradition of Wild in the Streets and V for Vendetta, The Hunted is set in a dystopian America where trans people are brutalized and erased to the margins of society.

— Glenn Garner, Deadline, 20 June 2026

Definition of biting

Adjective

Star Arnold Schwarzenegger was keen to do a sequel, but Cameron was busy with other projects, including Aliens in 1986 (another killer sequel).

— ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 28 Aug. 2026
Some keen advice from an industry survivor like Paltrow on how to laugh off the haters could come in handy.

— Kevin Dolak, HollywoodReporter, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of keen

Adjective

Devotees of trash movies do not love them with an entirely straight face, but our appreciation is not simply ironic, either.

— Becca Rothfeld, New Yorker, 29 Aug. 2026
After Davis’ single appearance, Anne Baxter would step in as the matriarch of the series (as a new character), an ironic echo of Baxter’s Eve ambitiously attempting to usurp Davis’ Margo in the classic All About Eve.

— Rance Collins, Entertainment Weekly, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of ironic

Adjective

Crude-tanker stocks have led the rally, up 120% year-to-date, followed by car carriers, gas carriers and dry-bulk shippers, Lloyd's data show.

— Anniek Bao, CNBC, 3 Sep. 2026
Tennis has always been highly dependent on the weather; unlike in soccer or football, rain cancels or delays a match until the court is dry enough to be playable.

— Aaron Short, Curbed, 3 Sep. 2026