Dictionary
irony 1 |ˈīrənē; ˈiərnē| noun ( pl. -nies) the expression of one's meaning by using language that normally signifies the opposite, typically for humorous or emphatic effect : “Don't go overboard with the gratitude,” he rejoined with heavy irony. See note at wit . • a state of affairs or an event that seems deliberately contrary to what one expects and is often amusing as a result : [with clause ] the irony is that I thought he could help me. • (also dramatic or tragic irony) a literary technique, originally used in Greek tragedy, by which the full significance of a character's words or actions are clear to the audience or reader although unknown to the character. ORIGIN early 16th cent.(also denoting Socratic irony): via Latin from Greek eirōneia ‘simulated ignorance,’ from eirōn ‘dissembler.’ irony 2 |ˈīərnē| adjective of or like iron : an irony gray color.

Thesaurus
irony noun 1 that note of irony in her voice sarcasm, causticity, cynicism, mockery, satire, sardonicism. See note at wit . antonym sincerity. 2 the irony of the situation paradox, incongruity, incongruousness. antonym logic.