What is the term for the use of words to convey the opposite of their literal meaning?

The term that describes the use of words to convey the opposite of their literal meaning is irony. Irony occurs when there's a contrast between expectation and reality, and it often involves a twist in meaning. For example, if someone says, "Oh, great! Another rainy day," while standing in a downpour, this statement expresses the opposite of what the words suggest; it's a sarcastic comment about the situation rather than an appreciation for the rain.

Other choices, while related to language and meaning, do not capture this specific use. Hyperbole refers to exaggerated statements not meant to be taken literally, an oxymoron is a figure of speech in which contradictory terms appear together (like "bittersweet"), and a paradox is a statement that seems self-contradictory but reveals a deeper truth. Each of these terms has its unique role in literature, but irony specifically addresses the reversal of meaning inherent in the phrase.