as in parody
a creative work that uses sharp humor to point up the foolishness of a person, institution, or human nature in general a satire about the music industry in which a handsome but untalented youth is turned into a pop star

Synonyms & Similar Words

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How does the noun satire differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of satire are humor, irony, repartee, sarcasm, and wit. While all these words mean "a mode of expression intended to arouse amusement," satire applies to writing that exposes or ridicules conduct, doctrines, or institutions either by direct criticism or more often through irony, parody, or caricature.

a satire on the Congress

Where would humor be a reasonable alternative to satire?

While in some cases nearly identical to satire, humor implies an ability to perceive the ludicrous, the comical, and the absurd in human life and to express these usually without bitterness.

a sense of humor

When is irony a more appropriate choice than satire?

Although the words irony and satire have much in common, irony applies to a manner of expression in which the intended meaning is the opposite of what is seemingly expressed.

the irony of the title

When would repartee be a good substitute for satire?

The synonyms repartee and satire are sometimes interchangeable, but repartee implies the power of answering quickly, pointedly, or wittily.

a dinner guest noted for repartee

When can sarcasm be used instead of satire?

The words sarcasm and satire can be used in similar contexts, but sarcasm applies to expression frequently in the form of irony that is intended to cut or wound.

given to heartless sarcasm

When could wit be used to replace satire?

The meanings of wit and satire largely overlap; however, wit suggests the power to evoke laughter by remarks showing verbal felicity or ingenuity and swift perception especially of the incongruous.

a playful wit

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 satire Brühl and Becker would reunite for his 2015 feature I And Kaminski, a satire on the art world adapted from the book by Daniel Kehlmann. Scott Roxborough, The Hollywood Reporter, 13 Dec. 2024 While some posts in the former case were offered as a form of satire, the posts were still cited by media in Yemen and Iran as being factual. Peter Suciu, Forbes, 4 Dec. 2024 This anthology has it all - from satire to drama - along with plenty of meals that will inspire your appetite. Lisa Respers France, CNN, 26 Nov. 2024 Staples turns that set-up into a hilarious and slightly surreal satire about the challenges facing Black entrepreneurs. Ew Staff, EW.com, 5 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for satire 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for satire
Noun
  • The 2x Oscar nominee, who co-wrote and directed the 2005 Johnny Cash pic Walk the Line, has not been scared off from paying cinematic tribute to other legendary musicians after the parody Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story (2007).
    Glenn Garner, Deadline, 28 Dec. 2024
  • Fair use—the lawful copying of others’ works for certain purposes, such as for criticism, parody or news reporting—is mentioned in the AHL’s answer as well.
    Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 7 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • Viewers resistant to a landslide of scatological humor, however, may find the laughs pretty slim in this overlong, uninspired monster spoof.
    Dennis Harvey, Variety, 6 Dec. 2024
  • Adams doesn’t have a ton to do in Adam McKay’s hit-or-miss NASCAR spoof, other than one key scene where her long, silky mane and sensual speechifying convince superstar Ricky Bobby (Will Ferrell) to get behind the wheel again.
    Matthew Jacobs, Vulture, 6 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • The beloved comedy, also starring Zooey Deschanel, Bob Newhart and James Caan, tells the story of a human, raised by elves, who eventually outgrows the North Pole.
    Karu F. Daniels, New York Daily News, 19 Dec. 2024
  • Sight gags baked into the production design (the books the Gromit reads or the signs that populate the sets) and gnome puns aplenty make for a ride in which every frame packs a dense layer of comedy, at times conspicuous, others not so much.
    Carlos Aguilar, Los Angeles Times, 19 Dec. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near satire

Cite this Entry

“Satire.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/satire. Accessed 5 Jan. 2025.

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