ironically.

1. Through an expression whose intended meaning contrasts with its apparent literal meaning.

2. In a way that contrasts pointedly with what was expected or intended.

Use it for

Words that belong together

• ironically remark
• ironically praise

On the page

She ironically praised the perfect timing after the visitor arrived an hour late.

The narrator ironically repeated the promise that the events had already undermined.

Usage notes

Primary category: literary / elevated general. Forms: Invariable adverb; use more or most only where natural. Legacy lexical fields mirror sense 1 only. Use numbered sense fields for all meanings. Established modern English lexical item. No separate regional spelling or grammatical inflection entry. Writing functions: style analysis, interpretation, characterization, rhetorical contrast. Disciplines: literary analysis, prose writing, advanced general English. Commonness: moderately common.