send-up 1 of 2

noun

ˈsend-ˌəp How to pronounce send-up (audio)
Definition of send-upnext
as in parody
a work that imitates and exaggerates another work for comic effect a singer-comedian who specializes in send-ups of pop hits

Synonyms & Similar Words

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send up

2 of 2

verb

as in to imitate
to copy or exaggerate (someone or something) in order to make fun of the sitcom sends up the "trials and tribulations" of the rich and famous

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 send-up
Noun
Scary Movie released in theaters on Friday, treating fans after a long hiatus to classically raunchy, Wayans-style send-ups of films like Get Out, Sinners, and M3GAN, all of which were glimpsed in teasers and trailers leading up to the premiere. — Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 6 June 2026 Of course all the business between Patricia and the Boogeyman is just an excuse for Widow’s Bay to stage a corker of a send-up of 1978’s Halloween and slasher movies of its ilk. — Jen Chaney, Vulture, 3 June 2026
Verb
Video shared through ViralHog captured the dramatic calving event as enormous chunks of ice plunged into the fjord, sending up a towering spray before a powerful wave begins racing toward the boat. — Ashley Vega, PEOPLE, 29 July 2026 Jake Johnson, Mary Steenburgen, and Ed Harris lead this diverting little comedy sending up the real-life court wars between the sports. — Eric Vilas-Boas, Vulture, 24 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for send-up
Recent Examples of Synonyms for send-up
  1. parody
  2. imitate
  3. spoof
  4. mock
  5. satire
  6. do
Noun
  • The ballet became a hilarious parody of Wagnerian cliches as a cartwheeling child wearing sneakers with rainbow lights and dressed in gold, resembling statues of the composer, presided in front of a faux Bayreuth proscenium.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 4 Aug. 2026
  • But fans will recognize the major tentpoles of this parody musical.
    — CT Jones, Rolling Stone, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of parody
Verb
  • When her mother brought home a Boswell Sisters record, a young Ella Fitzgerald spent hours imitating the group’s front woman, Connee Boswell, in an effort to learn to sing.
    — Brady Brickner-Wood, New Yorker, 5 Aug. 2026
  • See, for instance, the song the women of the cast performed imitating the fervor for him.
    — Brianna Zigler, Entertainment Weekly, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of imitate
Noun
  • Spaceballs saw Moranis as Lord Dark Helmet, the villainous spoof of Star Wars’ iconic villain Darth Vader.
    — Rachel Raposas, PEOPLE, 5 Aug. 2026
  • Wet Hot American Summer, the brainchild of several alumni of the beloved sketch troupe The State, is a hilarious and highly specific spoof of late-’70s and early-’80s summer-camp comedies in the vein of Meatballs.
    — Jesse Hassenger, Entertainment Weekly, 27 July 2026
Definition of spoof
Verb
  • Since the education minister's resignation, Modi has also spoken of forgiving those who had mocked the prime minister, an apparent effort to reconnect with younger audiences.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 4 Aug. 2026
  • Trump routinely mocks Newsom and refers to the governor using a derogatory nickname, while Newsom taunts the president with frequent social media posts.
    — Darlene Superville, Fortune, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of mock
Noun
  • Running through Saturday, the 4th of July Tuna High School Class reunion takes over the third-tiniest town in Texas, bringing oddball humor and small-town satire into the spotlight.
    — Philip Potempa, Chicago Tribune, 6 Aug. 2026
  • Some of these memes adhered to conventional forms of political satire.
    — Evan Clarkson, The Conversation, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of satire
Verb
  • There’s not a whole lot that can be done to harden them against bombs and drones.
    — David Goldman, CNN Money, 3 Aug. 2026
  • The famed highway—which turns 100 this year—passes through bustling cities, natural landmarks, and quirky roadside attractions, so there’s plenty of things to see (and do) along the way.
    — Kelsey Mulvey, Vogue, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of do

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Cite this Entry

“Send-up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/send-up. Accessed 8 Aug. 2026.

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