<p><strong>Noun:</strong></p><ul><li>the use of words to convey a meaning that is the opposite of its literal meaning: the irony of her reply, “How nice!” when I said I had to work all weekend</li><li>Literature. a technique of indicating, as through character or plot development, an intention or attitude opposite to that which is actually or ostensibly stated</li><li>(especially in contemporary writing) a manner of organizing a work so as to give full expression to contradictory or complementary impulses, attitudes, etc., especially as a means of indicating detachment from a subject, theme, or emotion</li><li>Socratic irony</li><li>dramatic irony</li><li>an outcome of events contrary to what was, or might have been, expected</li><li>the incongruity of this</li><li>an objectively sardonic style of speech or writing</li><li>an objectively or humorously sardonic utterance, disposition, quality, etc.</li></ul>