Poetic justice WSJ Crossword Clue

By Date: JUL 16, 2026 Follow on Google

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Frequently Asked Questions About This Clue

The most common and recent 5-letter answer for "Poetic justice" is IRONY.

The term 'poetic justice' refers to a situation where virtue is ultimately rewarded or vice punished, often in a manner that is particularly fitting or ironic. In literature, this usually involves an ironic twist where characters get what they deserve in an unexpected way.

This clue was last seen in the WSJ Crossword on July 16, 2026.

Irony is a situation where there is a contrast between expectation and reality, often highlighting a discrepancy or contradiction.

Subtle humor, Clever sarcasm, A hardware store with a broken doorknob is an example of it, "Ten thousand spoons, when all you need is a knife," according to Alanis Morissette, It might be dramatic or cosmic

The clue “Poetic justice” is a classic crossword staple, frequently appearing in puzzles like the WSJ crossword. For the puzzle dated July 16 2026, the definitive 5-letter answer is: IRONY.

Expert Tip: When you’re stuck, try to analyze the structure of the clue itself. Is it a direct definition, a pun, a fill-in-the-blank, or a pop culture reference? Identifying the type of clue you’re dealing with is a key skill for improving your solving speed.

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