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Showing results for tongue-in-cheek. Search instead for umpire-in-chief.
Definitions

tongue-in-cheek

ADJECTIVE
ironic and insincere
Synonyms
STRONGEST
amusing comic flippant humorous ironic irreverent jocular joking playful sarcastic satirical whimsical
STRONG
jokingly
WEAK
blithe clever comical dry facetious farcical flip funny in fun in jest ironical jesting joshing kiddingly laughable not serious pulling one's leg putting one on smart wisecracking witty
Antonyms
STRONGEST
respectful reverent serious unfunny

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Elmo followed up with a tongue-in-cheek message on Thursday addressing the vitriol.

From BBC • Jun. 6, 2026

They remain friendly enough for Kupp to reach out to Donald a few days ago with tongue-in-cheek advice to stay retired.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 4, 2026

Meanwhile, New York's Mayor Zohran Mamdani has signed a tongue-in-cheek executive order "temporarily repealing bedtimes" to encourage children to watch the late-night games.

From Barron's • Jun. 3, 2026

The name is tongue-in-cheek, but investors haven’t had patience for actual stodginess lately.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 3, 2026

She put up with the officers asking tongue-in-cheek questions about her procedures.

From "Newjack: Guarding Sing Sing" by Ted Conover

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