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

As journalism scholar Paul Alonso writes, looking at two cases from South America, sometimes satirical media takes up the slack. —Livia Gershon, JSTOR Daily, 27 Mar. 2026

Since its premiere, the show has received critical acclaim for Smart and Einbender’s performances, as well as its satirical look at the ins and outs of show business. —Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 23 Mar. 2026

The darkly satiric film expands to LA, SF, and DC next week and nationwide throughout April. —Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 20 Mar. 2026

Where the Story Actually Came From The original story originated from a March 4, 2026, post by The Dude Humor Report, a Facebook page that publishes fictional and satirical content. —Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 17 Mar. 2026