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 Director and co-writer Byun Sung-hyun signals his satirical interests early, skipping an intense look at the start of the attack and focusing on an earplug-donning passenger who sleeps through the initial proclamation. Kayti Burt, Time, 17 Oct. 2025 Amazingly, Ari Aster’s satirical neo-noir Western Eddington was wrapped months before the new Republican administration came to power, wielding alternative facts as its main artillery in the fight for the soul of the American people. Damon Wise, Deadline, 16 Oct. 2025 In the process, Shackleton delivers an often hilarious, satirical deep dive into how true crime documentaries, ever so the fashion these days, operate and work their way upon audiences. Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 16 Oct. 2025 In Counterfeit, for instance, Kirstin Chen gives us a caper story of Asian American young women on the wrong side of the law, but also a satirical take on the model minority myth in America. Literary Hub, 15 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for satiric
Recent Examples of Synonyms for satiric
Adjective
  • Justine Lupe plays Joanne’s sarcastic best friend, sister, sometimes-advisor and podcast co-host Morgan Williams.
    Skyler Trepel, PEOPLE, 25 Oct. 2025
  • As a model named Carl, stuck in a relationship corrupted by microcelebrity and Instagram view counts, Dickinson ticks with exasperation and sarcastic logic, his jaw clenched, his eyes wide and staring.
    Carrie Battan, Vulture, 6 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • But usually the administration official doesn’t fight back in such a biting way.
    David Lightman, Sacbee.com, 7 Oct. 2025
  • Over nearly three decades, Baumbach has built a career chronicling families in crisis and artists at the crossroads, his films combining biting wit with an unflinching emotional honesty.
    Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 3 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The actress is clearly relishing the opportunity to deliver Aaron Sorkin’s barbed dialogue (though perhaps not as much as Philip Seymour Hoffman, who steals the show as an explosive CIA functionary).
    Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 10 Oct. 2025
  • Watch this just for all the quick lands and barbed moments here alone.
    Andy Hoglund, Entertainment Weekly, 5 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Riding the ‘Bus’ Filip Gustavsson was really sharp again, giving the Wild a chance by keeping it close.
    Joe Smith, New York Times, 23 Oct. 2025
  • The brow of the mountain represents Budj Bim’s forehead, the sharp basalt scoria rocks are the giant’s teeth, and the lava flows are his blood, which poured over the land.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 22 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Satiric.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/satiric. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on satiric

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