as in flippant
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Recent Examples of tongue-in-cheek
Such a proclamation was more than just a tongue-in-cheek play on words.
—
Keith Murphy, VIBE.com, 12 Dec. 2025
O’Connell’s tongue-in-cheek delivery signaled the incident was somewhat lighthearted, and most would agree that O’Connell made the right call in keeping his superstar receiver on the sideline.
—Michael Gallagher, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Dec. 2025
The collection comes with hosting essentials — a serving platter, serving bowl, dinner plates, coasters, and napkins — all inscribed with tongue-in-cheek barbs the comedians helped come up with.
—Jillian Sederholm, Entertainment Weekly, 8 Dec. 2025
The evening began with CBS News Sunday Morning correspondent David Pogue performing a tongue-in-cheek song and piano solo honoring the nominees.
—Mary Lee, CBS News, 4 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for tongue-in-cheek
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tongue-in-cheek
Adjective
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Often, though, the clutter is the point, and you’re smacked with temperamental textures that channel the flippant streak of plunderphonics.—
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The prosecutors were flippant in dismissing the SEC’s questions.—
Adjective
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His posture is authoritative without being imposing, his voice warm without being facetious.—
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Powell was, of course, being facetious, as the low-quality videos featured the actor as a teen running and jumping in the street and lip-syncing to the song while wearing a yacht captain’s hat.—
Adjective
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Now, in an ironic twist of a slasher’s blade, Miska returning to the internet horror field, this time as the owner of Bloody Disgusting’s chief competitor, Dread Central.—
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The memes, commentary, and speculation became a culture unto itself, a loop of ironic posting, information warring, and commentary on commentary—all before his shooter was identified or Kirk was even pronounced dead.—
Adjective
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Clark balances serious conversations with wry humor, which is how people often deal with stress.—
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But sink into this wry, poignant story and all is forgiven.—
Adjective
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The shootout in the finale felt ripped from another (lesser) series, Sarah Catherine Hook’s monologue as Piper, now wanting to wash Thailand off her, just a bit of a pat cheat (and a more cynical White on display).—
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Yes, our political leaders have given some of us reason to be resentful, cynical and even depressed.—
Adjective
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Friday starts out warm and dry, possibly some early sunshine, and a chance to hit 60, depending on when showers arrive.—
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The video, narrated with dry sarcasm and visible exhaustion, quickly went viral.—
Adjective
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Yet no moment was as poignant as when Naumov, dressed in a simple white shirt and black slacks, stepped off the ice Thursday night.—
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Yet no moment was as poignant as when Naumov, dressed in a simple white shirt and black slacks, stepped off the ice Thursday night.—
Cite this Entry
“Tongue-in-cheek.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tongue-in-cheek. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.
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