variants or satirical

Synonym Chooser

How is the word satiric different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of satiric are ironic, sarcastic, and sardonic. While all these words mean "marked by bitterness and a power or will to cut or sting," satiric implies that the intent of the ridiculing is censure and reprobation.

a satiric look at contemporary society

When can ironic be used instead of satiric?

Although the words ironic and satiric have much in common, ironic implies an attempt to be amusing or provocative by saying usually the opposite of what is meant.

made the ironic observation that the government could always be trusted

When would sarcastic be a good substitute for satiric?

In some situations, the words sarcastic and satiric are roughly equivalent. However, sarcastic implies an intentional inflicting of pain by deriding, taunting, or ridiculing.

a critic known for his sarcastic remarks

Where would sardonic be a reasonable alternative to satiric?

The meanings of sardonic and satiric largely overlap; however, sardonic implies scorn, mockery, or derision that is manifested by either verbal or facial expression.

surveyed the scene with a sardonic smile

Examples Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of satiric Peppiatt not only makes drug humor seem joyfully silly again, but treats Irish patriotism as a tempting high worth celebrating; there’s a tough and satiric love at play. Robert Abele, Los Angeles Times, 2 Aug. 2024 This satiric sequel comes close to extending the joke too far, and the plot-starting death of Vanessa (Morena Baccarin) is a lazy-rude contrivance. Nick Romano, EW.com, 26 July 2024 Herzog’s adaptation prunes away the expository overgrowth of Ibsen’s satiric drama. Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times, 9 May 2024 The songs, and many of the performances, signal that the series is meant to be a satiric adventure. Alan Sepinwall, Rolling Stone, 10 Apr. 2024 See all Example Sentences for satiric 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for satiric
Adjective
  • Others rocked up in hazmat suits in a sarcastic swipe at China’s stringent Covid control measures, which saw Shanghai locked down for roughly two months and sparked rare protests.
    Chris Lau, CNN, 29 Oct. 2024
  • The sentiment is respectable — gun violence is bad — but the song’s satire feels half-baked because Martin just doesn’t have the sarcastic sensibility needed.
    Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 8 Oct. 2024
Adjective
  • After Leaving Mr Mackenzie Jean Rhys, 1931 Rhys was one of those amazing, tragic, ahead-of-her-time women and her life mirrored that of Julia, the main character in this book, which is a raging scream against the patriarchy and a biting critique of how women are viewed.
    The Week UK, theweek, 2 Aug. 2024
  • The sketch seemed to be SNL’s attempt to balance the cold open’s levity with a more biting tone about the wearying stakes of deciding the nation’s leadership.
    Amanda Wicks, The Atlantic, 3 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • As proof of the threat, the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office gathered reporters last week to go over Election Day protections, including new barbed wire atop the parking lot where elections workers park.
    Philip Elliott, TIME, 4 Nov. 2024
  • Back when barbed wire restricted freedom, Manzanar players found solace on a field that organizers and volunteers have now rebirthed and made their own.
    Emilie Ikeda, NBC News, 29 Oct. 2024
Adjective
  • Washington could’ve been sharper on that possession — Jayden Daniels missed an open receiver on a crosser one play before the Ekeler drop.
    Greg Rosenstein, NBC News, 15 Nov. 2024
  • Since 2000, there has been a sharp increase in pediatric cannabis calls to the nation’s poison centers.
    Dr. Jerrold B. Leikin, The Mercury News, 12 Nov. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near satiric

Cite this Entry

“Satiric.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/satiric. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on satiric

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