cartoon 1 of 2

noun

kär-ˈtün How to pronounce cartoon (audio)
Definition of cartoonnext
1
as in sketch
a picture using lines to represent the chief features of an object or scene a political cartoon mocking the state legislature

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in strip
a series of drawings that tell a story or part of a story reading the cartoons in the Sunday newspaper

Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in parody
a poor, insincere, or insulting imitation of something in this biopic the life of a complex man is reduced to a cartoon

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

cartoon

2 of 2

verb

as in to caricature

Related Words

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 cartoon
Noun
That irony — that an American cartoon star is so popular on the island — is not surprising. — Sarah Moreno august 7, Miami Herald, 7 Aug. 2026 Unlike the other two Trek cartoons, this series was explicitly designed for younger audiences. — Chris Snellgrove, Entertainment Weekly, 7 Aug. 2026 Tears like a cartoon coming out of my head, like a Cathy cartoon. — Wendy Naugle, USA Today, 7 Aug. 2026 Of course, the cartoon bear had a good run in TV commercials. — John Lauritsen, CBS News, 6 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for cartoon
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cartoon
  1. sketch
  2. strip
  3. parody
  4. caricature
  5. drawing
  6. comic
  7. joke
  8. picture
Noun
  • In the 2007 Comedy Central special named for the tour, each of these comedians’ sets is preceded by a short sketch about going through airport security.
    — Hershal Pandya, Vulture, 10 Aug. 2026
  • The dogs played such a significant role in the King and Camilla’s lives that the latter had a sketch of her dogs embroidered on her coronation dress along with the names of her children and grandchildren.
    — Audrey Schmidt, PEOPLE, 9 Aug. 2026
Definition of sketch
Noun
  • When rolling, it is recommended to run the pasta through a pasta machine at the thickest setting first, then fold the pasta strip over itself into 3 thicknesses and repeat, before moving down a setting.
    — Olivia Wakim, AJC.com, 9 Aug. 2026
  • The Korean Demilitarized Zone is a 160-mile-long strip of land running across the Korean Peninsula that serves as a buffer zone between North Korea and South Korea.
    — Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 9 Aug. 2026
Definition of strip
Noun
  • With such a glut of quirky comedy coming out of New Zealand, let’s hope this continues for as long as true crime remains ripe for parody.
    — Max Goldbart, Deadline, 11 Aug. 2026
  • The footer included a note that the site is not affiliated with or endorsed by Chan, is meant as parody, and is paid for by Wiener’s campaign.
    — Iris Kwok, Los Angeles Times, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of parody
Verb
  • In creative, advanced age is omitted or caricatured, reducing relevance before the message has a chance to work.
    — Ray Lansigan, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026
  • Nevin remembered the songwriter as a melancholic genius, and insisted that Foster did not merely caricature Black Americans but used their vernacular to convey universal themes.
    — David A. Graham, The Atlantic, 2 July 2026
Definition of caricature
Noun
  • Tonight’s drawing will be the 43rd in a row in search of a winner, and its prize ranks as the eighth-largest jackpot in Powerball history, according to the Multi State Lottery Association, which administers the game.
    — Avni Trivedi, CNN Money, 10 Aug. 2026
  • Topline The Powerball jackpot climbed to $905 million after no winning tickets were sold for Saturday night’s drawing, although an eventual winner would take home much less after taxes.
    — Zachary Folk, Forbes.com, 9 Aug. 2026
Definition of drawing
Noun
  • In the 1970s, the comic introduced John Stewart to be Hal’s backup, something Hal did not like very much.
    — Mike Ryan, IndieWire, 13 Aug. 2026
  • This comic was reported by Marielle Segarra and written and illustrated by Abi Inman.
    — Marielle Segarra, NPR, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of comic
Noun
  • The jokes have continued nearly nonstop — and not all are coming from the man in the can with a 20-point plan.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 10 Aug. 2026
  • There is nothing, no drama, no insight, not even a joke other than the one NeNe makes about Porsha swimming in the lady pond.
    — Brian Moylan, Vulture, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of joke
Verb
  • The Olsen twins were pictured with the larger cast, including Bure but without Loughlin amid the college admission scandal fallout, at Saget's funeral.
    — Taijuan Moorman, USA Today, 11 Aug. 2026
  • Instead, his platform takes not-so-subtle digs at the populist often pictured with a pint of beer.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of picture

Browse Nearby Words

cartons
cartoon
cartooned
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Cite this Entry

“Cartoon.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cartoon. Accessed 16 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on cartoon

Nglish: Translation of cartoon for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about cartoon

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