tongue-in-cheek

adjective

Definition of tongue-in-cheeknext
as in flippant

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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 tongue-in-cheek Toeing the line between sincerity and tongue-in-cheek humor, Edelman claims to have developed an obsession with contemporary Christian music after Smith invited him to a concert. — Emily McClanathan, Chicago Tribune, 13 Aug. 2026 The Connecticut rapper’s debut swings from tongue-in-cheek provocations to slam-poetry clunkers, landing a few solid punchlines and pop hooks along the way. — Lily Goldberg, Pitchfork, 3 Aug. 2026 And that’s the one track that has a little bit of tongue-in-cheek to it. — Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 28 July 2026 Some protesters march in Spider-Man masks and Batman costumes, carrying tongue-in-cheek placards. — ABC News, 25 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for tongue-in-cheek
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tongue-in-cheek
  1. flippant
  2. facetious
  3. ironic
  4. wry
  5. cynical
  6. dry
  7. poignant
Adjective
  • But there is a saying in the military that leadership sets the tone, and when the most senior leaders are flippant at best, and cruel at worst, many will understand that to be the permissible standard.
    — Andrea N. Goldstein, The Atlantic, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Kyles suggested, recalling her immediate response to the president’s seemingly flippant remark.
    — Chris Quintana, USA Today, 22 Aug. 2026
Definition of flippant
Adjective
  • The excess of emotion often scans as winkingly facetious, a dramatization to demonstrate just how deeply a person loves books.
    — Brady Brickner-Wood, New Yorker, 8 July 2026
  • The first thing he was asked, by another reporter who witnessed the debate, was a facetious question of whether he’s given MVP any thought.
    — Jared Weiss, New York Times, 24 Mar. 2026
Definition of facetious
Adjective
  • Devotees of trash movies do not love them with an entirely straight face, but our appreciation is not simply ironic, either.
    — Becca Rothfeld, New Yorker, 29 Aug. 2026
  • After Davis’ single appearance, Anne Baxter would step in as the matriarch of the series (as a new character), an ironic echo of Baxter’s Eve ambitiously attempting to usurp Davis’ Margo in the classic All About Eve.
    — Rance Collins, Entertainment Weekly, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of ironic
Adjective
  • Hardy’s prose brims with assurance and wry details that come from lived experiences and conversations.
    — Paula L. Woods, Los Angeles Times, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Despite a dizzying number of podcasts, the sports world lacks wry, newsy video chats of true depth, at least since Around the Horn went off the air.
    — Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of wry
Adjective
  • And his cynical dealings in Washington foreshadowed a toxification of US politics that now runs rampant.
    — Rob Picheta, CNN Money, 30 Aug. 2026
  • The cynical explanation is that the Treasury Secretary is playing politics.
    — John Cassidy, New Yorker, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of cynical
Adjective
  • The marsh was built in the 1990s to naturally clean dry-weather urban runoff from San Diego Creek and address the algae blooms that once existed in Upper Newport Bay, according to the water district’s website.
    — Ruben Vives, Los Angeles Times, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Craig, now a devoted granddad with a dry sense of humor, began working alongside his father at thirteen, quitting school even though teachers warned him that house moving was a dying trade.
    — Nicola Twilley, New Yorker, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of dry
Adjective
  • Seeing all the fiancé’s extended family in our city for the civil ceremony and reception and friends at the reception put a very poignant sting in our hearts for the four local family members who weren’t included.
    — R. Eric Thomas, Chicago Tribune, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Puerto Rican singer-songwriter is known for soulful voice and poignant lyrics.
    — Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of poignant

Browse Nearby Words

tongue
tongue-in-cheek
tongue-lash
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Cite this Entry

“Tongue-in-cheek.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tongue-in-cheek. Accessed 3 Sep. 2026.

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