CARICATURE Synonyms: 110 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the noun 'caricature' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of caricature are burlesque , parody , and travesty . While all these words mean "a comic or grotesque imitation," caricature implies ludicrous exaggeration of the characteristic features of a subject. // caricatures of politicians in cartoons

Q: When might 'burlesque' be a better fit than 'caricature'?

The meanings of burlesque and caricature largely overlap; however, burlesque implies mockery especially through giving a serious or lofty subject a frivolous treatment. // a nightclub burlesque of a trial in court

Q: In what contexts can 'parody' take the place of 'caricature'?

The synonyms parody and caricature are sometimes interchangeable, but parody applies especially to treatment of a trivial or ludicrous subject in the exactly imitated style of a well-known author or work. // a witty parody of a popular novel

Q: When is 'travesty' a more appropriate choice than 'caricature'?

The words travesty and caricature are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, travesty implies that the subject remains unchanged but that the style is extravagant or absurd. // this production is a travesty of the opera

caricature 1 of 2

noun

ˈker-i-kə-ˌchu̇r

Definition of caricature

as in parody

a poor, insincere, or insulting imitation of something that TV network's reporting is a mere caricature of real journalism

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in spoof

a work that imitates and exaggerates another work for comic effect the artist creates caricatures of famous paintings by replacing humans with cats

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as in exaggeration

the representation of something in terms that go beyond the facts the mayor has presented only a caricature of his opponent's views

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caricature

2 of 2

verb

as in to parody

to copy or exaggerate (someone or something) in order to make fun of caricatured the supervisor's distinctive walk

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How does the noun caricature differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of caricature are burlesque, parody, and travesty. While all these words mean "a comic or grotesque imitation," caricature implies ludicrous exaggeration of the characteristic features of a subject.

caricatures of politicians in cartoons

When might burlesque be a better fit than caricature?

The meanings of burlesque and caricature largely overlap; however, burlesque implies mockery especially through giving a serious or lofty subject a frivolous treatment.

a nightclub burlesque of a trial in court

In what contexts can parody take the place of caricature?

The synonyms parody and caricature are sometimes interchangeable, but parody applies especially to treatment of a trivial or ludicrous subject in the exactly imitated style of a well-known author or work.

a witty parody of a popular novel

When is travesty a more appropriate choice than caricature?

The words travesty and caricature are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, travesty implies that the subject remains unchanged but that the style is extravagant or absurd.

this production is a travesty of the opera

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 caricature

Noun

And the thing about caricatures? — Brendan Quinn, New York Times, 20 June 2026 Too often, caricatures are deployed to justify unfair and unjust treatment. — Jocelyn Frye, The Orlando Sentinel, 19 June 2026

Verb

This idea of reasonableness is easily caricatured as moral timidity or a bloodless neutrality that drains politics of passion. — Nikhil Krishnan, New Yorker, 20 Apr. 2026 As for the religious dimension, it’s questioned but not caricatured. — Bob Strauss, San Francisco Chronicle, 12 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for caricature

Recent Examples of Synonyms for caricature

Noun

There should honestly be a sequel parody of Twister where the storm chasers use tornados to cover up their kills.

— Brianna Zigler, Entertainment Weekly, 7 July 2026
Within the hour, the White House posted a parody of their announcement.

— Jessica Schladebeck, New York Daily News, 4 July 2026

Definition of parody

Noun

The lithe Pettet then sparkled as Mata Bond, the product of a love affair between Niven’s 007 and the spy Mata Hari, in the Bond spoof Casino Royale (1967).

— Mike Barnes, HollywoodReporter, 9 July 2026
The goofy sketch comedies and homemade spoofs that once filled his channel gradually disappeared, replaced by melancholy short films and bleak monologues.

— Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 27 June 2026

Definition of spoof

Verb

The Belgian team’s official X account celebrated the team’s win with a pair of mocking posts.

— Siladitya Ray, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026
More than 200 people were arrested in protest marches and anti-terror raids, including academics, lawyers, and journalists; a comedian who mocked President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan was held at the airport.

— Tom Chivers, semafor.com, 7 July 2026

Definition of mock

Noun

The resurgence of Trey Parker and Matt Stone’s long-running shock comedy and cultural satire is, at the very least, reflective of the actual show’s cultural footprint in the past year.

— Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 10 July 2026
But the show is not a parody; where Hollis’ Martha Stewart domesticity could easily tip into satire, it’s treated as a legitimate trauma response to losing her nuclear family at an early age.

— Alison Herman, Variety, 9 July 2026

Definition of satire

Verb

Rather than forcing every filmmaker to imitate Raimi, the IP has evolved into one of genre’s most generous proving grounds.

— Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 8 July 2026
In addition, Meadowlands can spoof enemy assets by imitating the specific, complex waveforms used by military and commercial satellite networks.

— David Szondy July 06, New Atlas, 7 July 2026

Definition of imitate

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“Caricature.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/caricature. Accessed 11 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of caricature

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