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 book is a satirical story about a fictional reality TV show called Model Muse that was inspired by his experience on ANTM. Emma Banks, InStyle, 21 Feb. 2026 In Kotliarevskyi’s satirical adaptation, the Trojan hero becomes a Cossack, rowdy and earthy. ABC News, 21 Feb. 2026 Our tools, our stories, faces, places, words, emotions, our approaches can be critical, satirical, comical, but will always be complex and complicated. Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 21 Feb. 2026 Across the room, the cutting humor and satirical whimsy of Crystal Denise Gillion’s collages cannot be ignored. Anya Sesay, jsonline.com, 16 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for satiric
Recent Examples of Synonyms for satiric
Adjective
  • Gavalas was a normal guy, Edelson said – a golfer, a funny person with a sarcastic wit, a video gamer.
    Brittany Wallman Updated March 4, Miami Herald, 4 Mar. 2026
  • Mother of two children with her sarcastic, smart and handsome husband.
    Gerald Witt, AJC.com, 1 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • My grandmother started working at the age of 12 years old in a linen factory in Belfast, traveling through barbed wire and barricades every day, not to school but to a job to support her family.
    CBS News, CBS News, 20 Feb. 2026
  • 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
Adjective
  • Miner explained that clear protein powders have a more watery consistency and a slightly bitter, acidic taste without additives.
    Mira Miller, Verywell Health, 4 Mar. 2026
  • But a few hundred feet away is Echinus Geyser, the largest acidic geyser in the world.
    Madison Dapcevich, Outside, 4 Mar. 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 8 Mar. 2026.

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