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

Those vibe-y details are also easy to clip for a fan cam, and seem to distract many of today’s weirdest guys from being able to see the film’s satirical barbs. —Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 13 Apr. 2026

But this satirical peek into Silicon Valley's tech bubble barely scratches the surface of the depravity and dysfunction to come. —Matt Cabral, Entertainment Weekly, 13 Apr. 2026

And that’s a risk that The Audacity is courting in a premiere that doesn’t care yet about turning its satirical targets into antiheroes, which is what Glatzer was doing on Better Call Saul and Succession. —Scott Tobias, Vulture, 12 Apr. 2026

Executive produced by Succession alum Jonathan Glatzer, who is also showrunner, the darkly satirical drama stars Billy Magnussen and Sarah Goldberg. —Dade Hayes, Deadline, 10 Apr. 2026