variants or satirical
Definition of satiricnext

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 Outlandish costumes Binface is just one in a long line of satirical candidates dating back more than six decades, who have become a unique staple of British elections. Reagan Yip, CNN Money, 14 Aug. 2026 His closest challenger was not Labour or the Conservatives, but Count Binface, a satirical candidate played by comedian Jon Harvey who campaigns dressed as a trash can. Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 14 Aug. 2026 Shah becomes a viral sensation, but the show itself takes a satirical look at an actor who blows a life-changing audition while exploring themes of family, community, mental health, and Shah’s desire to succeed. Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 12 Aug. 2026 Its name is a satirical critique of unchecked male entitlement. Laura Payne, Encyclopedia Britannica, 10 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for satiric
Recent Examples of Synonyms for satiric
Adjective
  • The department’s post drew skeptical and sarcastic reactions from commenters who wondered whether the missing $30 called for a public search.
    Stephen Sorace, FOXNews.com, 23 Aug. 2026
  • Our second president, John Adams, was said to have had a sarcastic demeanor and made biting remarks about his contemporaries.
    John Blumenthal, Chicago Tribune, 16 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Up the other side of the ravine there is another fence, much like the first, but without the barbed wire.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 24 Aug. 2026
  • Light tubes, chains, scaffolds, chairs and a barbed wire table all made an appearance.
    Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 16 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • That’s because acidic foods such as tomatoes and oranges may react with aluminum foil, causing a metallic taste or slight discoloration, but don’t worry.
    Bianca Lambert, Southern Living, 23 Aug. 2026
  • If the pH gets too acidic, nitrogen uptake is greatly reduced, leading to a deficiency in the plant, even if there’s plenty of nitrogen in the potting soil.
    Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • The idea that these two would have a five-minute-or-less breakup conversation, then plop down on the couch and happily embark on an acid trip together, strains credulity a little, even for this bizarre, codependent friend group.
    Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2026
  • In a sequencer that resembled a large fridge, millions of short nucleic-acid fragments would be identified in the span of ten hours.
    Jason Liebowitz, New Yorker, 25 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Satiric.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/satiric. Accessed 29 Aug. 2026.

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