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

Example 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 The show isn't satiric so much as amused by the absurd lengths to which the Kaylas of our society will go in pursuit of self-definition. Tom Gliatto, People.com, 10 Dec. 2024 Mann at his most satiric has Settembrini contributing an essay to a multivolume project whose purpose is to end suffering. George Packer, The Atlantic, 5 Nov. 2024 Others are satiric vignettes—pointed takedowns of sham humanitarians, sham foreign journalists, sham white saviors and their sham schemes to save the continent—whose villains can read more like stock inventions than like surprising ones. Alexis Okeowo, The New Yorker, 30 Oct. 2024 The satiric sculpture — a comment on the 2021 Capitol riot — appeared on Thursday, Oct. 24, and has a permit to remain through Oct. 30, according to the National Park Service. Cnn.com Wire Service, The Mercury News, 25 Oct. 2024 See All Example Sentences for satiric
Recent Examples of Synonyms for satiric
Adjective
  • Seinfeld is a Jewish man from New York’s Long Island with a wry and sarcastic sense of humor.
    Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Feb. 2025
  • Others lose a sense of trust by the sarcastic digs, eye rolls, interrupting, or belittling.
    Rachel Glik, Contributor, CNBC, 4 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Now, 72 hours after being purged because they were considered probationary workers, a biting reality has set in for many of them.
    CNN.com Wire Service, The Mercury News, 19 Feb. 2025
  • For example, a trip to Everglades National Park at the peak of summer could overlap with hurricane season or generally have higher biting insect activity and humid heat.
    Korrin Bishop, Southern Living, 18 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Mengistu, a member of Israel's Ethiopian minority, entered the territory by crossing a barbed wire fence into Gaza.
    ASSOCIATED PRESS, TIME, 22 Feb. 2025
  • All pennies will henceforth be exiled to Guantanamo to live out their lives as former currency in orange jumpsuits, behind barbed wire, only inches from the best beaches ever.
    Barry Scott Zellen, Hartford Courant, 18 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Put on gloves: To protect your hands from sharp pieces.
    Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 27 Feb. 2025
  • Three sharp teeth emerge from the bottom of its frozen jawline.
    Jeff Spry, Space.com, 27 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Satiric.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/satiric. Accessed 3 Mar. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on satiric

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