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

Senna, whose light satirical touch brought us 2024’s terrific Colored Television, is shrewd on the conundrums unique to parents of color moving around mostly white spaces. —Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 16 Mar. 2026

The satirical stuff that Hart was writing in the 1930s no longer would play in the 1940s with the war on. —Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 14 Mar. 2026

In 1901, Mark Twain published a satirical indictment of America’s war in the Philippines. —Jonathan Zimmerman, New York Daily News, 13 Mar. 2026

The black-and-white satirical thriller debuted at the Deauville American Film Festival with screenings at the Miami and Sunscreen film festivals in Florida, where Wiseman’s film picked up a raft of awards. —Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 12 Mar. 2026