CARTOON Synonyms: 65 Similar and Opposite Words

cartoon 1 of 2

noun

kär-ˈtün

Definition of cartoon

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

Relevance

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

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

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

The show was in some ways an antidote to the world of Saturday morning cartoons. — Andrew Silow-Carroll, Sun Sentinel, 31 Aug. 2026 At the same time, on a remote mountain in New Zealand, a little girl was running similar experiments, sublimating the language of cartoons into a supple personal vernacular. — Laura Preston, New Yorker, 30 Aug. 2026 To them, cartoons are just a part of life, and that incongruity generates much of the film’s humor. — Angelica Jade Bastién, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2026 Go with a classic like Spongebob so your kids can cuddle this ugly buddy while cozying up with their favorite cartoon. — ABC News, 28 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for cartoon

Recent Examples of Synonyms for cartoon

Noun

Inside, archival photographs, sketches, prototypes, and text tell the story of Neapolitan cobbler Salvatore Ferragamo’s rise to fame and fortune.

— Laura Itzkowitz, Vogue, 4 Sep. 2026
Basketball sketches created during an interactive art project during the Summit League Championship last March can now be seen at nearly a dozen neighborhood parks.

— Angela George, Sioux Falls Argus Leader, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of sketch

Noun

These sneakers offer a small pop of color, featuring blue strips and a pink heel against a white base.

— Kaelin Dodge, InStyle, 6 Sep. 2026
Above and below the main narrative of the Bayeux Tapestry are two strips filled with ancient beasts, including tail-chasing dogs and tightly knotted swans.

— John Phipps, New Yorker, 5 Sep. 2026

Definition of strip

Noun

This magazine, established in 1955, publishes lighthearted parodies of academic literature, bogus scientific studies, and satirical commentary on absurd research.

— Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 31 Aug. 2026
The order, which directs federal officials to formalize the name change within 30 days, quickly sparked backlash, jokes and parody proposals.

— Gabe Hauari, USA Today, 28 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

Not only did the client and architect scale back the building’s height based on the events in New York, but also, the drawings for that scheme were never publicly released.

— Edward Keegan, Chicago Tribune, 6 Sep. 2026
But, even more specifically, the story is in dialogue with the British artist David Austen’s minimal and piercing drawings.

— Cressida Leyshon, New Yorker, 6 Sep. 2026

Definition of drawing

Noun

And a hot young comic, Marshay (Brittney Ayona Clemons, convincing), is being foisted on Varnell to heighten youth appeal.

— Robert Lloyd, Los Angeles Times, 1 Sep. 2026
The veteran comic likens the creative control he’s been granted to a second-string quarterback being entrusted to lead the team.

— Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of comic

Verb

Above, the actor is pictured in a scene from 1978’s Days Of Heaven,’ alongside Brooke Adams.

— Stephanie Sengwe, PEOPLE, 31 Aug. 2026
After years spent teasing a legally impossible third term, Trump is now describing life after January 2029, picturing himself at home as a successor claims credit.

— Will Weissert, Los Angeles Times, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of picture

Browse Nearby Words

cartons

cartoon

cartooned

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Articles Related to cartoon

Cite this Entry

Style

“Cartoon.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cartoon. Accessed 7 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of cartoon

noun

verb

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

webtoon

'Cartoon': Not Just For Kids

Tulip/Turban, Cloak/Clock, & 8...

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