Synonyms of satiric

satiric

adjective

sə-ˈtir-ik 

variants or satirical

as in sarcastic

marked by the use of wit that is intended to cause hurt feelings

a satiric story about the movie business

Synonyms & Similar Words

• sarcastic
• biting
• barbed
• sharp
• sardonic
• cutting
• caustic
• scathing
• acerbic
• cross
• corrosive
• mordant
• pungent
• ironic
• ironical
• acrid
• acidic
• concise
• acid
• acidulous
• tart
• blunt
• snarky
• brisk
• cynical
• smart-alecky
• smart-aleck
• incisive
• wry
• scalding
• poignant
• trenchant
• acerb
• dry
• smart-mouthed
• rough
• severe
• sour
• spiky
• flippant
• facetious
• harsh
• tongue-in-cheek
• bitter
• vitriolic
• pithy
• crisp
• sharp-tongued
• succinct
• stringent
• spikey
• keen
• sourish
• acrimonious
• terse
• brusque
• resentful
• gruff
• curt
• abrupt
• backhanded
• tartish
• insincere
• snippy
• brusk
• snippety

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• amusing
• playful
• merry
• mild
• gentle
• droll
• waggish
• bland
• diplomatic
• sportive
• smooth
• polite
• good-natured
• urbane
• good-humored
• gracious
• hospitable
• genial
• cordial
• affable
• suave
• sociable

Synonym Chooser

How is the word satiric different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of satiric are ironic, sarcastic, and sardonic. While all these words mean "marked by bitterness and a power or will to cut or sting," satiric implies that the intent of the ridiculing is censure and reprobation.

a satiric look at contemporary society

When can ironic be used instead of satiric?

Although the words ironic and satiric have much in common, ironic implies an attempt to be amusing or provocative by saying usually the opposite of what is meant.

made the ironic observation that the government could always be trusted

When would sarcastic be a good substitute for satiric?

In some situations, the words sarcastic and satiric are roughly equivalent. However, sarcastic implies an intentional inflicting of pain by deriding, taunting, or ridiculing.

a critic known for his sarcastic remarks

Where would sardonic be a reasonable alternative to satiric?

The meanings of sardonic and satiric largely overlap; however, sardonic implies scorn, mockery, or derision that is manifested by either verbal or facial expression.

surveyed the scene with a sardonic smile

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of satiric

Gad originated the role of Elder Cunningham alongside Andrew Rannells' Elder Price in a satiric look at two young missionaries' misguided attempts to spread the gospel in a small Ugandan village. —Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 16 Jan. 2025

The show isn't satiric so much as amused by the absurd lengths to which the Kaylas of our society will go in pursuit of self-definition. —Tom Gliatto, People.com, 10 Dec. 2024

Mann at his most satiric has Settembrini contributing an essay to a multivolume project whose purpose is to end suffering. —George Packer, The Atlantic, 5 Nov. 2024

Others are satiric vignettes—pointed takedowns of sham humanitarians, sham foreign journalists, sham white saviors and their sham schemes to save the continent—whose villains can read more like stock inventions than like surprising ones. —Alexis Okeowo, The New Yorker, 30 Oct. 2024