farce

noun

ˈfärs How to pronounce farce (audio)
Definition of farcenext
1
as in parody
a poor, insincere, or insulting imitation of something the recall of a duly elected official for a frivolous reason is not democracy in action but a farce

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in comedy
humorous entertainment the rubber-faced, loose-jointed comedian is a master of knockabout farce

Synonyms & Similar 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 farce The author of the series bears the same curiosity, quick wit, and linguistic dexterity as the younger man who wrote Zone One and 2006’s messy farce, Apex Hides the Hurt. — Boris Kachka, The Atlantic, 17 July 2026 The years-long qualifying format will become a bit of a farce, as virtually every big country would now qualify easily. — Ian Miller Outkick, FOXNews.com, 13 July 2026 Physical comedy and razor-sharp wit collide in this carnival of theatrical surprises — a masterful blend of classic French farce and contemporary slapstick that will leave audiences breathless with laughter, the news release states. — News Release, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 July 2026 Under Walsh’s witty direction, all four deliver pitch-perfect comedic performances in this frothy farce, which is full of mistaken identities, exaggerated infatuations and fussy social norms. — Emily McClanathan, Chicago Tribune, 9 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for farce
Recent Examples of Synonyms for farce
  1. parody
  2. comedy
  3. joke
  4. satire
  5. caricature
  6. humor
  7. sham
Noun
  • These polyester fits have also been parodied in video skits, where comedians put on an all-over polyester print outfit, like a wolf T-shirt and galaxy pants, and parody the stereotypical nerdy kid.
    — Rachel Hale, USA Today, 18 Aug. 2026
  • The series, which featured elaborate original musical numbers ranging from Broadway parodies to pop pastiches, earned Bloom a Golden Globe for best actress in a television comedy or musical as well as an Emmy and Critics’ Choice Award.
    — Dave Quinn, PEOPLE, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of parody
Noun
  • Former Saturday Night Live writer/performer John Higgins, member of the Please Don’t Destroy comedy group, has joined the cast of ABC’s Scrubs for a major recurring role in the upcoming second season of the revival, Deadline has learned.
    — Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 15 Aug. 2026
  • That uncertainty extends to the film itself, which slips between psychological drama, comedy and magical realism without settling comfortably into any of them.
    — Callum McLennan, Variety, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of comedy
Noun
  • There are moments, say at a fan’s family home in Casablanca, when a joke gets lost in translation.
    — Lale Arikoglu, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 Aug. 2026
  • And then there’s the Ren Faire episode, where a McPoyle brothers’ cameo portends a closing joke so distressing my innocent little brain rejected all the warnings of its arrival.
    — Ben Travers, IndieWire, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of joke
Noun
  • These 2026 debuts are everywhere, especially the tradwife satire by Caro Claire Burke, which has sold more than a million copies since its April release.
    — Clare Mulroy, USA Today, 12 Aug. 2026
  • The episode underscores how California candidates in both parties are rushing to the bleeding edge of generative AI, from cinematic deepfake-style attack ads to meme-ready political satire.
    — Iris Kwok, Los Angeles Times, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of satire
Noun
  • Blessed with generational talent, mainstream appeal and a good basketball product, the league is instead in danger of becoming a caricature.
    — Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 12 Aug. 2026
  • In the national consciousness, Blackpool has become a morbid caricature of working-class Britain—a place where binge drinking, violence, and vomit are in view of teacup rides, kids on the beach, and plastic pirates.
    — George Francis Lee, New Yorker, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of caricature
Noun
  • In addition to humor and heart, the show will feature a new original song written exclusively for the park by composer Randy Newman.
    — Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 16 Aug. 2026
  • But beneath the humor was genuine admiration for the executive whose tenure at Netflix helped transform Hollywood’s traditional television model.
    — Lilly Workneh, HollywoodReporter, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of humor
Noun
  • Critics dismissed the polls, held in phases in December and January, as a sham designed to consolidate the military’s grip on power while ostensibly restoring civilian rule.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 17 Aug. 2026
  • Filling Decorative Pillow Shams Decorative pillow shams in guest bedrooms that get little use offer an easy way to repurpose old towels.
    — Olivia McIntosh, Martha Stewart, 16 Aug. 2026
Definition of sham

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faraway
farce
farces
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Cite this Entry

“Farce.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/farce. Accessed 21 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on farce

Nglish: Translation of farce for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about farce

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