as in parody
a work that imitates and exaggerates another work for comic effect
it is interesting to note that the first novel ever written in English was followed by a burlesque of it
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
as in to parody
to copy or exaggerate (someone or something) in order to make fun of
burlesquing the teacher's nervous tic isn't very nice
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 burlesque
Anne Schrager, San Francisco Chronicle, 11 Feb. 2026
Additionally, hometown hero and skier Gus Kenworthy acts as host for the entire week, which features events like the blow-out White Party, a drag and burlesque show with both national and local talent, and the Glitter Ball where anything that sparkles is in fashion.
—Tiney Ricciardi, Denver Post, 13 Jan. 2026
Richard Brody, New Yorker, 16 Mar. 2026
During that visit, Manson spoke about his friendship with French-Chilean artist Alejandro Jodorowsky, who lived in Mexico during the 1970s and 1980s and officiated Manson’s wedding to burlesque performer Dita Von Teese in Ireland in 2005.
—Natalia Cano, Billboard, 11 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for burlesque
Noun
The main performance is scheduled to include aerial acrobatics, bondage, burlesque and drag performers from groups such as The Dragonettes, AKArts Collective and others with hypnotic live looping and vocal music from Morgan Sorne.
—Anne Schrager, San Francisco Chronicle, 11 Feb. 2026
Additionally, hometown hero and skier Gus Kenworthy acts as host for the entire week, which features events like the blow-out White Party, a drag and burlesque show with both national and local talent, and the Glitter Ball where anything that sparkles is in fashion.
—Tiney Ricciardi, Denver Post, 13 Jan. 2026
Verb
One burlesqued the Oscar broadcast’s impending move to YouTube, in 2029.
—Richard Brody, New Yorker, 16 Mar. 2026
During that visit, Manson spoke about his friendship with French-Chilean artist Alejandro Jodorowsky, who lived in Mexico during the 1970s and 1980s and officiated Manson’s wedding to burlesque performer Dita Von Teese in Ireland in 2005.
—Natalia Cano, Billboard, 11 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for burlesque
Recent Examples of Synonyms for burlesque
Noun
-
One posted a video parody of the 2004 Downfall film, portraying Bass as Hitler.—
National Correspondent,
Los Angeles Times,
18 May 2026
-
Young Frankenstein, a loving parody of 1930s monster movies, also starred Marty Feldman, Cloris Leachman, Teri Garr, Peter Boyle, Madeline Kahn and Kenneth Mars.—
Rick Porter,
HollywoodReporter,
18 May 2026
Verb
-
Huxley might easily have written a simpler novel glorifying intellectuals while mocking Stoyte’s greed and indifference to suffering.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
21 May 2026
-
The reflections and depth of artistry were mocked.—
Lance Eliot,
Forbes.com,
20 May 2026
Noun
-
There would be more scripted and carefully choreographed moments in his TV spots for Calvin Klein jeans and Obsession, collaborations with the writer Doon Arbus (daughter of Diane and Allan Arbus) that took chances (and which, for some viewers, are inseparable from memorable spoofs on SNL).—
Sheri Linden,
HollywoodReporter,
17 May 2026
-
In the spoof of gentle, soft, focused crowd pleasers, SNL’s Ashley Padilla channeled the kind of maternal figure she’s honed over two seasons on the show—culturally out of touch, relentlessly cheerful, and covered in statement accessories.—
Erik Adams,
The Atlantic,
10 May 2026
Verb
-
Researchers will wear sensors while carrying out laboratory tasks, allowing the system to capture movements, workflows, and decision-making patterns that robots can later imitate.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
18 May 2026
-
What makes the campaign especially convincing is that each stage imitates familiar Apple, Google or Microsoft software behavior many Mac users already trust and routinely encounter.—
Davey Winder,
Forbes.com,
18 May 2026
Noun
-
Expect delights in French humor and satire, drawing inspiration from the beloved French comic series Astérix and its ancient Western European setting.—
Zachary Laks,
Travel + Leisure,
15 May 2026
-
The satire was fictitious and its intent only humorous.—
Greg Evans,
Deadline,
14 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Burlesque.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/burlesque. Accessed 22 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
