variants or satirical

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 real star of the show, though, is not the satiric script or the campy performances, but rather how each character brings their own unique approach to dressing for the corporate ladder. Christian Allaire, Vogue, 18 Feb. 2025 The tone, like the title, is satiric and pitch black. Andrew Silow-Carroll, Sun Sentinel, 30 Jan. 2025 Gad originated the role of Elder Cunningham alongside Andrew Rannells' Elder Price in a satiric look at two young missionaries' misguided attempts to spread the gospel in a small Ugandan village. Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 16 Jan. 2025 The show isn't satiric so much as amused by the absurd lengths to which the Kaylas of our society will go in pursuit of self-definition. Tom Gliatto, People.com, 10 Dec. 2024 See All Example Sentences for satiric
Recent Examples of Synonyms for satiric
Adjective
  • Still, Ernst shared a sarcastic apology video after facing criticism from Democrats over her response to the town hall attendees' concerns.
    Savannah Kuchar, USA Today, 2 June 2025
  • The vibe, never exactly cheerful, and never leavened by a hint of even the most sarcastic sense of humor, takes a turn for the horrific one evening in the wake of the bawdy revels celebrating Tomek’s wedding.
    Jessica Kiang, Variety, 30 May 2025
Adjective
  • As always, Danan’s voice is hysterically funny, her characters’ exhibiting a wry and biting sense of humor.
    Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 19 May 2025
  • Fey’s writing usually has a reputation of being more on the biting or sardonic side, but The Four Seasons trades out the eye rolls for loving looks (mostly).
    Tom Smyth, Vulture, 15 May 2025
Adjective
  • The other eight prisoners who escaped from their cell and hopped the barbed wire fence to freedom have all been recaptured.
    Peter D'Abrosca, FOXNews.com, 29 May 2025
  • Sneakers hang by their laces from barbed wire, dangling above two motorbikes.
    Stephanie Yang, Los Angeles Times, 27 May 2025
Adjective
  • President Donald Trump’s turbulent tariff policy is projected to cause a sharper slowdown in economic growth in the United States and around the world than previously expected, the Organization for Economic Co-Operation and Development (OECD) found in a Tuesday report.
    Solcyré Burga, Time, 3 June 2025
  • Yet in March 2024, despite a sharp rise in antisemitic attacks, the program’s budget was cut by $30.5 million, dropping from $305 million to $274.5 million.
    Samantha-Jo Roth, The Washington Examiner, 3 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Satiric.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/satiric. Accessed 13 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on satiric

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