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 Its headliner attraction is the Meow Wolf Las Vegas’ Omega Mart, a satirical supermarket stocked with fake products like tattooed chicken, frosted hay, leprechaun kidneys and robot milk. Joe Yogerst, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026 Newman won the satirical Ig Nobel Prize, in 2024, for demonstrating that many of the world’s oldest living people may actually be dead. Dhruv Khullar, New Yorker, 29 June 2026 There will be about 80 entries in the parade, according to Folsom Historic District Executive Director Judy Collinsworth, including the Folsom High School Marching Band and the Ophir Prison Marching Band, a satirical group. Corey Schmidt, Sacbee.com, 29 June 2026 On Tuesday, protesters were asked to bring diapers and write demands for Pradhan’s resignation on them – a satirical swipe at the government’s inability to stop exam leaks, Dipke said. Rhea Mogul, CNN Money, 26 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for satiric
Recent Examples of Synonyms for satiric
Adjective
  • Another way to say this is that, in place of the extensive self-announcements Plato allows his characters, Rochester substitutes his own summary judgements, his sarcastic imitations.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 6 July 2026
  • This is taken as evidence of his status, not a sarcastic criticism.
    Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 July 2026
Adjective
  • But his view of Adrian’s methods, goals, and way of life end up making the bond of mentorship both tenuous and barbed.
    Richard Brody, New Yorker, 10 July 2026
  • Meanwhile, McGrew agreed to adjustments, including adding baffles to reduce sound from a attached generator for the tower and replacing tower fencing that incorporated barbed wire with taller, more natural looking fencing.
    Olivia Stevens, Chicago Tribune, 9 July 2026
Adjective
  • The Venus flytrap is native only to the coastal wetlands and bogs of North Carolina and South Carolina, and grows naturally in nutrient-poor, acidic, and perpetually wet areas.
    SJ McShane, Martha Stewart, 14 July 2026
  • Earlier studies also showed that slightly acidic seawater from the BPMED process can accelerate algae growth, and allow future systems to simultaneously recover minerals while producing chemicals, fuels, fertilizers, and biomass.
    Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 14 July 2026
Adjective
  • Three teenagers have been arrested in connection with an acid attack on six women in Jersey City, New Jersey, last month, public safety officials said.
    Mirna Alsharif, NBC news, 15 July 2026
  • Over several decades, hundreds and hundreds of tons — hundreds of thousands of gallons — of acid waste from the pesticide DDT and even DDT itself were dumped into the ocean off the Palos Verdes Peninsula and near Catalina Island.
    Patt Morrison, Los Angeles Times, 15 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Satiric.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/satiric. Accessed 20 Jul. 2026.

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