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 Created by Mike Lazzo in 1994, the satirical talk show served as Cartoon Network’s first piece of fully original programming. — Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 10 Sep. 2026 Her medical fate is used by Kaftan’s deceivers to lure him into their trap, though again, this potential source of human feeling receives no emotional support from Mehring’s satiric style. — Literary Hub, 9 Sep. 2026 According to The Jerusalem Post, Malkovich is scheduled to return to Tel Aviv for the satirical theatrical-musical production on April 13 at the Charles Bronfman Auditorium. — Lexi Carson, HollywoodReporter, 5 Sep. 2026 Critics have long speculated that his depiction was satirical—that the first utopian literary work was, at least in part, dystopian. — Boris Kachka, The Atlantic, 4 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for satiric
Recent Examples of Synonyms for satiric
Adjective
  • This hampers several of my favorite performances, especially Harper, whose Ben is full of sarcastic indignation, and June Laporte as Ginny, an aspiring reporter in need of proper mentoring.
    — Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 19 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
  • The state oversees different types of facilities for kids in the justice system, ranging in security level from group homes to prisons surrounded by barbed wire.
    — Paige Pfleger, ProPublica, 25 Sep. 2026
  • Which is to say, this is more a barbed comedy of manners than a proper, elegant period piece.
    — Will Harris, Entertainment Weekly, 15 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Estrogen loss thins the vaginal tissue and changes the microbiome, leading to a less acidic environment -- a breeding ground for harmful bacteria that cause UTIs.
    — Laura Trujillo, USA Today, 22 Sep. 2026
  • Lime green piping traced an aubergine silk skirt; flashes of acidic color appeared on necklines and linings.
    — Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 21 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 30 Sep. 2026.

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