burlesque 1 of 2

as in parody
a work that imitates and exaggerates another work for comic effect it is interesting to note that the first novel ever written in English was followed by a burlesque of it

Synonyms & Similar Words

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burlesque

2 of 2

verb

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun burlesque differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of burlesque are caricature, parody, and travesty. While all these words mean "a comic or grotesque imitation," burlesque implies mockery especially through giving a serious or lofty subject a frivolous treatment.

a nightclub burlesque of a trial in court

In what contexts can caricature take the place of burlesque?

The words caricature and burlesque are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, caricature implies ludicrous exaggeration of the characteristic features of a subject.

caricatures of politicians in cartoons

When might parody be a better fit than burlesque?

The synonyms parody and burlesque are sometimes interchangeable, but parody applies especially to treatment of a trivial or ludicrous subject in the exactly imitated style of a well-known author or work.

a witty parody of a popular novel

When is it sensible to use travesty instead of burlesque?

The meanings of travesty and burlesque largely overlap; however, travesty implies that the subject remains unchanged but that the style is extravagant or absurd.

this production is a travesty of the opera

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 burlesque
Noun
In addition to being a place to drink and do karaoke, Vern’s offered live entertainment, including burlesque shows and drag performances, held sip-and-paint classes and other events, and most recently hosted an adult Easter egg hunt. Gloria Casas, Chicago Tribune, 8 May 2025 Later that night, dozens of women took the stage to showcase their skills, from fire-spinning burlesque to music and comedy, during a talent show. Tiney Ricciardi, Denver Post, 16 Apr. 2025
Verb
During that visit, Manson spoke about his friendship with French-Chilean artist Alejandro Jodorowsky, who lived in Mexico during the 1970s and 1980s and officiated Manson’s wedding to burlesque performer Dita Von Teese in Ireland in 2005. Natalia Cano, Billboard, 11 Aug. 2025 That Dyer burlesque—of self-ravelling and unravelling—stretched across a memoir (though the narrative essentially ends at twenty-one) quickly takes on a quality of mock-heroic completism. James Wood, New Yorker, 14 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for burlesque
Recent Examples of Synonyms for burlesque
Noun
  • The only people who write him letters are serial killers who adore him, especially serial killers who were portrayed on the Netflix series Mindhunter (which Monster, for some reason, takes a swipe at with a frankly exhausting, metatextual parody).
    Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 4 Oct. 2025
  • The screenwriter, Nora Garrett, has achieved an amusingly florid Hollywood simulacrum—one that tilts into knowing parody—of an intensely self-regarding world.
    Justin Chang, New Yorker, 3 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The drama was followed by another housemate, George, being evicted after mocking gay housemate Sam.
    Mathew Rodriguez, Them., 8 Oct. 2025
  • The new video is part of a pattern in which DHS has increasingly deployed memes to mock migrants and popular culture.
    Billal Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • After all, that warped sitcom spoof has to be one of the most genuinely demented things to ever air, without a shred of warning and in the middle of the night, on cable TV.
    A.A. Dowd, Vulture, 3 Oct. 2025
  • Moranis, Zuniga, Pullman, Brooks, and Wyner are set to reprise their iconic roles in the sequel to the 1987 sci-fi spoof, with Gad, Palmer, Lewis Pullman, and Anthony Carrigan playing new, undisclosed characters.
    Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 25 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Watch the full collection of Survivor 49 players hilariously imitating Probst making fun of them during a challenge in the video at the top of the article.
    Dalton Ross, Entertainment Weekly, 8 Oct. 2025
  • Often imitated but never duplicated, the Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer continues to be a bestseller online, beloved by both salon owners and everyday users alike.
    Brittany Loggins, Footwear News, 8 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • While not everyone took to Cult’s broad political satire, it’s still considered a fine mid-era installment.
    Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 5 Oct. 2025
  • While framed as satire, the content references child exploitation, raising questions about the adequacy of Sora 2’s safeguards.
    Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Burlesque.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/burlesque. Accessed 9 Oct. 2025.

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