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 Brousson is an Austin resident and often posts satirical videos teasing Texas cliches and generalizations. Ella Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 June 2026 Its satirical video, depicting politicians descending into an all-out fistfight, proved especially prescient during the fevered atmosphere of the 2016 election cycle. Spin Staff, SPIN, 17 June 2026 Could the character of Agathe be intended as satirical? Hannah Gold, New Yorker, 17 June 2026 Think The White Lotus without the comforting satiric streak. Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 16 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for satiric
Recent Examples of Synonyms for satiric
Adjective
  • There were the polite claps after good attacks by the Swiss, sarcastic whistles by the Qatari fans after their team again failed to mount a threat.
    Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 13 June 2026
  • When the 10th batter (Dalton Rushing) struck out for the first out of the inning, the diminished number of Pirates fans still on hand gave a sarcastic cheer for their team’s stick-to-itiveness.
    Bill Plunkett, Oc Register, 10 June 2026
Adjective
  • Devil's Rope Museum in McLean, Texas Roughly an hour's drive from Amarillo, the Devil's Rope Museum is an interesting stop, with exhibits dedicated to the history of Route 66 in Texas, as well as the importance of barbed wire and its impact on the American West.
    Elizabeth Rhodes, Travel + Leisure, 18 June 2026
  • Johnson was initially refused entry, but got inside by using a set of stairs to hop a barbed wire fence, prosecutors said.
    Evy Lewis, Chicago Tribune, 18 June 2026
Adjective
  • This acidic environment enables enzymatic DNA growth.
    Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 17 June 2026
  • Light, medium, or dark roasts all work fine for espresso; just keep in mind that the lighter the roast, the more acidic the finished product.
    Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 June 2026
Adjective
  • De la Espriella also represented some high-profile victims, including Natalia Ponce de León, who was the target of an acid attack in 2014, and Rosa Elvira Cely, whose murder in 2012 generated national outrage and led to the creation of Colombia’s femicide laws.
    Chad de Guzman, Time, 1 June 2026
  • New York — In New York’s Hudson Valley, the artist Anicka Yi has erected columns bursting with mercurial microbial life, in hues of acid green and coffee, arranged like an archaeological dig at Storm King Art Center.
    Jacqui Palumbo, CNN Money, 29 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Satiric.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/satiric. Accessed 25 Jun. 2026.

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