1
as in parody
a poor, insincere, or insulting imitation of something
rigged from the start, his trial was a travesty of justice
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in spoof
a work that imitates and exaggerates another work for comic effect
the big-screen version of the classic sitcom is actually a good-natured travesty of the TV series
Synonyms & Similar Words
as in to parody
to copy or exaggerate (someone or something) in order to make fun of
this comedy sketch mindlessly travesties the hard work of relief workers around the world
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of travesty
Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 8 Dec. 2025
Such a travesty, half a million Haitians have nowhere to return to.
—Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 27 Nov. 2025
The New Republic, 22 June 2023
Readers may be tempted to side at one moment with the defenders of Jewish caution and Jewish sentiment, however their instincts are travestied, and soon afterward with Zuckerman’s principled view of the autonomy of art.
—Cynthia Ozick, WSJ, 25 May 2018
See All Example Sentences for travesty
Noun
Roger Clemens is the only pitcher who has won 300 games to not have the honor of being enshrined in the Hall of Fame, which is a total travesty!
—Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 8 Dec. 2025
Such a travesty, half a million Haitians have nowhere to return to.
—Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 27 Nov. 2025
Verb
In 1933, the Marx Brothers mocked dictatorship with Duck Soup; three decades later, Kubrick and writer Terry Southern travestied the Bomb.
—The New Republic, 22 June 2023
Readers may be tempted to side at one moment with the defenders of Jewish caution and Jewish sentiment, however their instincts are travestied, and soon afterward with Zuckerman’s principled view of the autonomy of art.
—Cynthia Ozick, WSJ, 25 May 2018
See All Example Sentences for travesty
Recent Examples of Synonyms for travesty
Noun
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The request and combination were so offbeat that both artists agreed to take part, quickly, and the band took over writing duties after Frito-Lay staffers first tried their own hand at a parody of their 2001 tune.—
Brian Steinberg,
Variety,
26 Mar. 2026
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In the latest pack, launching April 23, Owlchemy Labs takes players to Sporelando, which is parody of the Florida city Orlando.—
Gieson Cacho,
Mercury News,
26 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Retro Rewind players run a Blockbuster Video-like movie-rental store set in the early 1990s, complete with spoofs of real blockbusters of the era.—
Tony Maglio,
HollywoodReporter,
19 Mar. 2026
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In the spoof, the host is dressed as Aunt Gladys from Weapons — which which won best supporting actress for Amy Madigan’s portrayal of the character — complete with the bright orange hair and white face paint.—
Anna Chan,
Billboard,
15 Mar. 2026
Verb
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People created memes and videos mocking Roan for mistreating children.—
Lisa Gutierrez,
Kansas City Star,
25 Mar. 2026
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Continue reading … GOVERNOR GRUMBLING — Joe Rogan blasts Newsom for allegedly mocking YouTuber investigating California fraud.—
,
FOXNews.com,
24 Mar. 2026
Noun
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But over the course of nine innings and a few beers, there is plenty of time to catch up, joke around, give each other a hard time.—
Bill Goodykoontz,
AZCentral.com,
26 Mar. 2026
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Last year, Carr warned broadcast stations after Kimmel made a joke about the response on the right to the assassination of Charlie Kirk.—
Ted Johnson,
Deadline,
26 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The gulls weren’t directly imitating the act of eating.—
Samantha Agate,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
30 Mar. 2026
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The gulls weren’t imitating human eating directly but were using the human’s choice as a cue to guide their own foraging decisions.—
Samantha Agate,
Miami Herald,
30 Mar. 2026
Noun
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The latter, a wry comedy of futile endeavor, was based on a story by Kiarostami, but Haghighi soon sought to shake off Kiarostami’s influence—and, even more, a prevailing caricature of Iranian cinema that Kiarostami’s style had given rise to.—
Richard Brody,
New Yorker,
27 Mar. 2026
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There will also be hands-on creative activities for people of all ages, including printmaking, henna and glitter tattoos, foam crafts, sand art, caricatures, and more.—
Alyson Rodriguez,
Dallas Morning News,
27 Mar. 2026
Verb
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After recently signing a standard NBA contract after starting the season on a two-way deal, Cain did a little bit of everything with 11 points, five rebounds and two assists in 22 minutes.—
Jason Beede,
The Orlando Sentinel,
27 Mar. 2026
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After the pair were arrested, Haghighi also co-signed a letter of protest—as did Panahi, who, in turn, was arrested and imprisoned.—
Richard Brody,
New Yorker,
27 Mar. 2026
Noun
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The gauzy texture is made from organic cotton, and the decorative pillow shams have a highly dimensional stitching.—
Julia Harrison,
Architectural Digest,
20 Mar. 2026
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Bedsure Best Seller GentleSoft Pintuck Pinch Pleat For a one-and-done bedding upgrade, consider this set that includes sheets, a comforter, pillowcases, and shams, all for just $45.—
Jacqueline Tempera,
Better Homes & Gardens,
16 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Travesty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/travesty. Accessed 1 Apr. 2026.
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