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 Libby has a good ear for corporate doublespeak and probably another satirical play in him about whatever goes on at this company’s Taco Tuesday, but Data sticks to a staunchly instructive spirit. Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 29 Jan. 2026 The year got underway with Playboy Manbaby releasing their first album since 2018, a satirical takedown of life as know it in 2026. Ed Masley, AZCentral.com, 26 Jan. 2026 The canniest fictional dissection of femininity and the panopticon of social media arrives this spring in Yesteryear (Knopf), a rollicking satirical debut from Caro Claire Burke. Chloe Schama, Vogue, 24 Jan. 2026 What followed was part fever trip through the machine of the music industry and part satirical mockumentary that felt both real and exaggerated. Vanessa Franko, Los Angeles Times, 24 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for satiric
Recent Examples of Synonyms for satiric
Adjective
  • Tom Lester played Eb Dawson, the Douglases' sarcastic young farmhand.
    Meredith Wilshere, PEOPLE, 25 Jan. 2026
  • The worse things are going, the more bitter and sarcastic my humor sometimes gets.
    Kenna Hughes-Castleberry, Space.com, 24 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Following the 1967 war, a rope of asphalt had replaced the rubble and barbed wire, meandering through the city like an unwanted river.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 2 Feb. 2026
  • Much of the comedy in this action-comedy arrives via barbed exchanges between the constantly bickering James and Jonny.
    Richard Kuipers, Variety, 26 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Aluminum foil is heat resistant and can be used to line pans or cover dishes, but isn't nonstick, and may not be safe for acidic food applications.
    Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 9 Feb. 2026
  • The acidic content in vinegar breaks down mineral deposits, hard water stains, and buildup and neutralizes odors.
    Maria Sabella, The Spruce, 8 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • What’s lacking is acid, some tang, to cut through the excess of richness.
    Bill Addison, Los Angeles Times, 17 Jan. 2026
  • What begins as a slow, lumbering triplet rhythm gradually morphs into a fleet and elegant quasi-acid jam; drums that start off gently turn tough and clattering before the whole thing fades out in a soft sunset glow.
    Philip Sherburne, Pitchfork, 14 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Satiric.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/satiric. Accessed 12 Feb. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on satiric

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