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 Another wacky and satirical sci-fi comedy, this one centers on a group of shoplifters going after a fashion maven. Ben Rosenstock, Time, 26 Dec. 2025 Jezebel quickly removed the satirical article and issued a statement condemning Kirk’s death and any political violence. Pilar Melendez, NBC news, 26 Dec. 2025 The book, one of the cornerstone texts about the identify of Palestinians in Israel, is a tragic and satiric story of Saeed, a Palestinian who becomes a citizen of Israel. Irene Nasser, CNN Money, 25 Dec. 2025 Homo Argentum, Argentina A satirical anthology film became the highest-grossing Argentinian film of 2025 and the country’s top homegrown movie since the end of the COVID-19 pandemic. Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 23 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for satiric
Recent Examples of Synonyms for satiric
Adjective
  • Tom Lester played Eb Dawson, the Douglases' sarcastic young farmhand.
    Meredith Wilshere, PEOPLE, 25 Jan. 2026
  • The worse things are going, the more bitter and sarcastic my humor sometimes gets.
    Kenna Hughes-Castleberry, Space.com, 24 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Much of the comedy in this action-comedy arrives via barbed exchanges between the constantly bickering James and Jonny.
    Richard Kuipers, Variety, 26 Jan. 2026
  • Crews on Monday appear to be adding barbed wire atop cement barricades already wrapped around the building — measures no doubt added in response to a consistent group of protestors committed to gathering daily outside the complex near Fort Snelling.
    WCCO Staff, CBS News, 13 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • The combination of the formula's acidic component, which dissolves stains and the mild abrasive, which lifts the texture, effectively revives old cookware.
    Maria Sabella, The Spruce, 27 Jan. 2026
  • Baking soda, a fine white powder, can neutralize acidic carpet stains, absorb odors, and act as a gentle abrasive to help loosen and lift dirt and other debris.
    Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 26 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • What’s lacking is acid, some tang, to cut through the excess of richness.
    Bill Addison, Los Angeles Times, 17 Jan. 2026
  • What begins as a slow, lumbering triplet rhythm gradually morphs into a fleet and elegant quasi-acid jam; drums that start off gently turn tough and clattering before the whole thing fades out in a soft sunset glow.
    Philip Sherburne, Pitchfork, 14 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Satiric.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/satiric. Accessed 2 Feb. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on satiric

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