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wry

wry

21 7.5
Showing dry, slightly mocking humor and not taking things seriously
  • adjective
  • /raɪ/
translation icon : irónico
  • "It's never been serious before, has it?" Staffa asked, a wry tone in his voice.
  • wry humor
  • wry smile
  • wry sense

So they watch this and they get this sort of wry look at the world, very cynical.

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Examples

  • "Hmmm, yes," Adam said, casting Peregrine a wry, I-told-you-so glance as he opened the pad.

    Fiction book (1991)
  • With a wry smile, she remarked, "I can always count on my luck to be terrible."

  • Looking back, she says, with a wry smile, "I was just grateful to be published."

    Academic text (2009)
  • Not jokes so much, more sort of wry, little observations.

  • A few of us even signal the mother with a sideways nod and a wry smile.

    Academic text (2009)
  • Keith is known among his colleagues as a thoughtful and deliberate man, with a wry sense of humor.

    Academic text (2007)
  • "Beginning to think all this new technology has some use?" Jayge gave a wry chuckle.

    Fiction book (1991)
  • Somewhat oversimplified, Adam agreed, with a wry half-smile, "but essentially correct, as far as it goes."

    Fiction book (1991)
  • "Yes, I'm feeling a heat," he said, with a wry grin as he waded toward her.

    Fiction book (1990)
  • Pitt would feel no unkindness, no criticism, but perhaps a gentle, wry sort of pity.

    Fiction book (1993)

Synonyms

sarcastic
vswry
99 4.0

Using words that say the opposite of what you mean to mock or hurt someone

is drier and less openly biting, with milder mockery
witty
vswry
85 3.8

Quick clever remarks that make people laugh

is drier and more mocking than general clever amusement
humorous
vswry
76 1.6

Funny in a way that makes people laugh

is drier and more mocking, adding ironic edge
ironic
vswry
49 4.8

Saying the opposite of what you mean to be funny or mocking

is drier and more mocking with subtle sarcasm
dry
vswry
45 4.6

Quiet, calm humor that shows little emotion

is similar but adds mocking sarcasm and a touch of irony
snarky
vswry
  • Informal
37 7.9

Being rude in a clever, mocking way

is drier and less openly scornful, more restrained in tone
tongue-in-cheek
vswry
  • Informal
15 7.4

Said jokingly and not meant to be taken seriously

is drier and more mocking rather than playful insincere joking
sardonic
vswry
9 8.1

Showing mocking, bitter humor that makes fun of people

is drier and less bitter, keeping humor understated
ironical
vswry
1 6.4

Saying the opposite of what you mean to be funny or mocking

is a milder, drier mock with a touch of irony
quippy
vswry
1 8.1

Saying quick clever remarks that are often funny and a little sarcastic

is drier and more mocking, not just playful cleverness
sarky
vswry
  • UK
9.9

To say mocking or rude things to tease someone

is drier and more subtle, not informal teasing

Antonyms

452 1.4

Calm and focused, not playful or joking

239 2.5

Being honest and showing what you really feel

Compounds

1 6.1

A twisted look that shows dislike, annoyance, or slight amusement

How Wry

biting
5.4
sarcastic
99 4.0
ironic
49 4.8
wry
21 7.5
dry
45 4.6

Surface Forms

wry positive

Etymology

Wry comes from an old idea of being 'twisted', like the action when you wring a towel. So a 'wry' smile looks a little twisted, and from that the word means dry, ironic, or gently mocking humor.