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
• biting
• barbed
• sharp
• sardonic
• cutting
• caustic
• scathing
• acerbic
• cross
• corrosive
• mordant
• pungent
• ironic
• ironical
• acrid
• acidic
• concise
• acid
• acidulous
• tart
• blunt
• snarky
• brisk
• cynical
• smart-alecky
• smart-aleck
• incisive
• wry
• scalding
• poignant
• trenchant
• acerb
• dry
• smart-mouthed
• rough
• severe
• sour
• spiky
• flippant
• facetious
• harsh
• tongue-in-cheek
• bitter
• vitriolic
• pithy
• crisp
• sharp-tongued
• succinct
• stringent
• spikey
• keen
• sourish
• acrimonious
• terse
• brusque
• resentful
• gruff
• curt
• abrupt
• backhanded
• tartish
• insincere
• snippy
• brusk
• 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

Kuang's latest is a satirical look at the brutal nature of academia. —Carly Tagen-Dye, PEOPLE, 27 Sep. 2025

Anderson is a rare and rangy breed of cinematic maximalist—a satirical quasi-historian and pop-cultural magpie with a gift for weaving disparate influences into a marvellously unruly synthesis. —Justin Chang, New Yorker, 26 Sep. 2025

As One of Us gleefully samples multiple registers—comic, tragic, satiric, elegiac, poetic—its mesh of archaic and contemporary styles becomes something quite arresting, a joy to read … Chaon’s beautiful novel insists on answers. —Book Marks september 26, Literary Hub, 26 Sep. 2025

He was locked in the Bastille for his satirical writings. —Toni Fitzgerald, Forbes.com, 19 Sep. 2025