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

Director and co-writer Byun Sung-hyun signals his satirical interests early, skipping an intense look at the start of the attack and focusing on an earplug-donning passenger who sleeps through the initial proclamation. —Kayti Burt, Time, 17 Oct. 2025

Amazingly, Ari Aster’s satirical neo-noir Western Eddington was wrapped months before the new Republican administration came to power, wielding alternative facts as its main artillery in the fight for the soul of the American people. —Damon Wise, Deadline, 16 Oct. 2025

In the process, Shackleton delivers an often hilarious, satirical deep dive into how true crime documentaries, ever so the fashion these days, operate and work their way upon audiences. —Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 16 Oct. 2025

In Counterfeit, for instance, Kirstin Chen gives us a caper story of Asian American young women on the wrong side of the law, but also a satirical take on the model minority myth in America. —Literary Hub, 15 Oct. 2025