ironic; rhetorically ironic
Describes a statement or expression that is ironic or uses rhetorical irony, often implying the opposite of the literal meaning.
His 'thank you' was ironic; he wasn't really grateful.
Everyone gave a wry smile at that ironic turn of phrase.
Compound of 反語 (irony, rhetorical question) + 的 (-like, -ic). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the word follows a common pattern for forming adjectival nouns from Sino-Japanese roots.