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 There is awe, and sadness, and regret, and wry humor. —
Literary Hub, 31 Mar. 2026 The queen had a wry sense of humor and enjoyed Angela’s wit and her habit of playfully teasing other courtiers. —Katie Nicholl, Vanity Fair, 30 Mar. 2026 And yet, the wry grimaces that followed said the quiet part out loud. —Megan Feringa, New York Times, 30 Mar. 2026 The wry commentary eventually curdled into ironic prophecy, as Keynes became one of those defunct economists. —Megan McArdle, Washington Post, 29 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for wry
Literary Hub, 31 Mar. 2026 The queen had a wry sense of humor and enjoyed Angela’s wit and her habit of playfully teasing other courtiers. —Katie Nicholl, Vanity Fair, 30 Mar. 2026 And yet, the wry grimaces that followed said the quiet part out loud. —Megan Feringa, New York Times, 30 Mar. 2026 The wry commentary eventually curdled into ironic prophecy, as Keynes became one of those defunct economists. —Megan McArdle, Washington Post, 29 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for wry
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wry
Adjective
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In what neatly encapsulates the uncomfortable, rude, thin-skinned yet cruel, sarcastic and ultimately juvenile communication style of his online brood, the leader of the pack started with — what else — Lawrence’s looks.— Kevin Dolak, HollywoodReporter, 22 Apr. 2026
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Peters then offered a sarcastic parting line and left the set.— Ryan Brennan April 15, Miami Herald, 15 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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At the same time as Panama’s government is earning more money from the newly brisk business in the canal, its shipping industry is being confronted by the geopolitical struggle in the same way as those of other countries.— Alma Solis, Fortune, 24 Apr. 2026
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The show, said to have been pared down to a brisk hour or so of celebrity walk-ons and sizzle-reel clips, will be held at Infosys Theater at Madison Square Garden, which has served as TNT’s upfront stage since 2014.— Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 24 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Dense rows of Xs in the background suggest barbed wire.— Ben Davis, The New York Review of Books, 25 Apr. 2026
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The barbed fact is that the woman caught in the middle of this unusual male arrangement benefits from none of their newfound emotional enlightenment.— Alexandra Schwartz, New Yorker, 24 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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The proper response to this is a cynical groan.— U T Editorial Board, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Apr. 2026
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Season 2, in the big picture, takes a cynical approach to modern relationships, asking if love is an inherently selfish endeavor within a capitalistic society, where your quality of life is so heavily influenced by what’s in your bank account.— Ben Travers, IndieWire, 16 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Much like the days getting longer and the air less biting, a sure harbinger that spring is coming is the 33rd annual West Suburban Irish St. Patrick’s Day Parade in downtown Naperville.— Annie Alleman, Chicago Tribune, 9 Mar. 2026
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As the nation bonded as one over the past two weeks biting nails, screaming at wins, wincing at crashes and choking up at all the beautiful moments of Olympic competition, another group of athletes were – and still are – out honing their multi-level championship skills.— Moira McCarthy, Boston Herald, 25 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Instead, keen-eyed visitors can spot resting harbor seals, shorebirds, and even a resident pair of bald eagles.— Cu Fleshman, Travel + Leisure, 23 Apr. 2026
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Early days, but during my visit many locals were keen to see the transformation, booking tables in the restaurant and bar for sunset views.— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Another entry in our recent deluge of ironic gorefests, Over Your Dead Body doesn’t really give us anything new, although for its first half at least, the picture gets by on some verve and a modicum of intelligence.— Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 24 Apr. 2026
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That’s more than a little ironic, given that the start-up’s entire proposition revolves around trust.— Will Gottsegen, The Atlantic, 24 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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For a truly energizing experience, the signature Water Ritual incorporates a dry sauna, cold deluge shower and wet steam with an invigorating scrub, culminating with dips in the hot and cold plunge pools.— Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 23 Apr. 2026
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Tumble dry on low heat with clean tennis balls or dryer balls to help restore fluffiness.— Katie Cloyd, Martha Stewart, 22 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Wry.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.grautoblog.com/thesaurus/wry. Accessed 28 Apr. 2026.
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