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 Its name is a satirical critique of unchecked male entitlement. Laura Payne, Encyclopedia Britannica, 10 Aug. 2026 Piker fell in love with Jon Stewart’s The Daily Show and Turkish satirical newspapers and cartoons. Josh Eells, Rolling Stone, 9 Aug. 2026 The satirical scenes of Kris’ agent (Sarah Sherman) getting annoyed that her client can’t pitch a four-quadrant movie are hilarious while also ringing of truth. Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 6 Aug. 2026 Because there are indications that One Night Only might have had something more darkly satirical on its mind at one point. Alison Willmore, Vulture, 6 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for satiric
Recent Examples of Synonyms for satiric
Adjective
  • Our second president, John Adams, was said to have had a sarcastic demeanor and made biting remarks about his contemporaries.
    John Blumenthal, Chicago Tribune, 16 Aug. 2026
  • Why are people so hungry for a bratty, sarcastic version of Abigail Williams?
    Moises Mendez II, USA Today, 15 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Light tubes, chains, scaffolds, chairs and a barbed wire table all made an appearance.
    Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 16 Aug. 2026
  • Instead of trying to locate bears in the wild, the survey relies on hair samples collected in barbed wire traps, which can be used to identify individual bears based on their DNA.
    John Moritz, Hartford Courant, 14 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • The acidic qualities of both the apple and vinegar will kill the bacteria under the feet and nails.
    BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 17 Aug. 2026
  • Some researchers have proposed that, when filled with an acidic liquid, the assembly could generate a small electrical charge.
    Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 16 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • There was an acid trip of a halftime show starring Madonna, Justin Bieber, BTS, and Shakira.
    Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 22 July 2026
  • Lithium-ion, lead-acid, sodium-ion and other technologies all have a role to play in the electrification landscape.
    Darren Tan, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Satiric.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/satiric. Accessed 24 Aug. 2026.

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