variants or satirical

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

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 satiric Misery, a horror movie with a satiric streak, launched Bates’s film stardom. Tim Grierson, Vulture, 21 Feb. 2025 The real star of the show, though, is not the satiric script or the campy performances, but rather how each character brings their own unique approach to dressing for the corporate ladder. Christian Allaire, Vogue, 18 Feb. 2025 The tone, like the title, is satiric and pitch black. Andrew Silow-Carroll, Sun Sentinel, 30 Jan. 2025 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 See All Example Sentences for satiric
Recent Examples of Synonyms for satiric
Adjective
  • This is the kind of sarcastic humor that keeps the mood light throughout the 162-game marathon.
    Zach Pressnell, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Aug. 2025
  • This perky, self-aware, sarcastic and downright silly show caters to both the more traditional Goodspeed audiences.
    Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 14 July 2025
Adjective
  • The socially biting comedy comes out at a time of political unrest in Argentina under Javier Milei’s presidency, a government marked by several funding cuts to culture.
    Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 6 Aug. 2025
  • No one mentioned the annoying swarms of tiny biting midges that plague Scotland’s west coast in the summer.
    Angus MacKinnon, CNN Money, 3 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Blood of My Blood doesn’t shy away from the violence and gore of this war — there is blood and guts and young men dying, there is poison gas and bodies on barbed wire.
    Maggie Fremont, Vulture, 9 Aug. 2025
  • Panthers will be stymied by 28,000 feet of barbed wire fencing.
    Elise Bennett, The Orlando Sentinel, 3 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • While slow, its sharp edges pierce deeply for its weight.
    Oliver Brandt, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Aug. 2025
  • The comments were greeted by sharp statements from several Arab states, which condemned the use of the term as provocative and counterproductive to peace.
    Tal Shalev, CNN Money, 14 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Satiric.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/satiric. Accessed 27 Aug. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on satiric

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