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 The extremely soapy, enjoyably satirical true-life drama chronicles love, rampant betrayal and a brazen murder plot through three decades of the iconic Gucci fashion house. Brian Truitt, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026 Both shows make use of the parody defense, of course, that being the sly way for comedic artists to cash in on someone else’s intellectual property by insisting that their motives are honorably satirical. Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 24 Aug. 2026 The city-centric, satirical productions have received over 18 million views, while expanded social media content, including their own songwriting, has received over 100 million views. Angela George, Sioux Falls Argus Leader, 24 Aug. 2026 The satirical website The Onion also moved to take over Jones’ Infowars platforms and turn his bullhorn of conspiracy theories into parody sites. Jim Vertuno, Fortune, 21 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for satiric
Recent Examples of Synonyms for satiric
Adjective
  • Starring Andrew Scott as British actor Ian Charleson, who throws himself into playing Hamlet while succumbing to AIDS, the film’s ensemble cast features Dolan as the sarcastic receptionist at the National Theatre in London.
    Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 10 Sep. 2026
  • The sarcastic Chandler Bing (Matthew Perry) and affable actor Joey Tribbiani (Matt LeBlanc) are among her favorite characters.
    Mack DeGeurin, Popular Science, 9 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • There are plenty of Ostalgie museums in today’s united Germany, furnished with memorabilia of the German Democratic Republic, from twigs of barbed wire to Trabant gearboxes.
    Isaac Chotiner, New Yorker, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Across the lot in an unused patch of pavement, pops of bright orange and yellow reach skyward toward the imposing barbed wire that’s laced atop metal security bars.
    Leigh-Ann Jackson, Los Angeles Times, 2 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Editor Cam McLauchlin never cuts them into mere blitzes of limbs and blood, though DP Katelin Arizmendi’s acidic palette of yellows, greens and corporeal streaks of red does lend the realism a kind of pop-art splendor.
    Guy Lodge, Variety, 14 Sep. 2026
  • Black gum will adapt to most soil conditions, but must be planted in acidic soil.
    Arricca Elin SanSone, Southern Living, 12 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • The idea that these two would have a five-minute-or-less breakup conversation, then plop down on the couch and happily embark on an acid trip together, strains credulity a little, even for this bizarre, codependent friend group.
    Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2026
  • In a sequencer that resembled a large fridge, millions of short nucleic-acid fragments would be identified in the span of ten hours.
    Jason Liebowitz, New Yorker, 25 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Satiric.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/satiric. Accessed 18 Sep. 2026.

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