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 For the first time, Anthropic spent millions of dollars on several satiric Super Bowl spots. Sharon Goldman, Fortune, 9 Feb. 2026 The only thing that may be crazier than the actual football life is this satirical comedy-drama that has more to do with a hedonistic existence than play-action passes. Brian Truitt, USA Today, 6 Feb. 2026 This is a super-sized version of Works’ usual Anti-Valentine’s show, which features local artists displaying different aspects of love – including the painful and satirical sides. Sal Pizarro, Mercury News, 5 Feb. 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for satiric
Recent Examples of Synonyms for satiric
Adjective
  • But pull her away from the TV cameras, photographers and the prying eyes of the world, and her sarcastic-bordering-on-vulgar sense of humor bubbles to the surface.
    Dave Skretta, Chicago Tribune, 17 Feb. 2026
  • Liu asked with a sarcastic scoff and giggle.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 17 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • My parents were just children when they were wrested from their homes into tarpaper barracks surrounded by barbed wire.
    Julie Morita, Chicago Tribune, 19 Feb. 2026
  • During the First World War, neither Axis nor Allied generals fully appreciated the devastating effects of machine guns and barbed wire.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 19 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Caramelizing mellows out the tart, acidic quality of the fruit and adds a rich, umami-like flavor to these meatballs.
    Carolynn Carreño, Los Angeles Times, 15 Feb. 2026
  • Some plants can tolerate a range of soil pH levels, from acidic to alkaline.
    David Beaulieu, The Spruce, 15 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • An arrest has been made in an acid attack on a Long Island college student that happened nearly five years ago.
    Alexa Herrera, CBS News, 10 Feb. 2026
  • As wine lovers’ taste in Chardonnay has moved from ripe and buttery to lean and racy, higher-acid, more-flavorful versions have come into vogue.
    Mike DeSimone, Robb Report, 8 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Satiric.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/satiric. Accessed 22 Feb. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on satiric

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