caricature 1 of 2

1
as in parody
a poor, insincere, or insulting imitation of something that TV network's reporting is a mere caricature of real journalism

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

3

caricature

2 of 2

verb

Synonym Chooser

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
The same red flannel was often featured in caricatures of Mammy. Danielle Amir Jackson, The Atlantic, 4 Sep. 2025 Then linger on the touristy yet captivating Place du Tertre, a blur of bistros, buskers, and open-air artists vying for the business of getting your kids to sit for a caricature or portrait. Elissa Garay, AFAR Media, 3 Sep. 2025
Verb
Businesses must respect the aging consumer—not infantilize them, ignore them or caricature them. Lara Devgan, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025 New York City, with its high concentration of Wall Street finance bros, is a perfect setting to caricature people who score their dates on a spreadsheet. Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 12 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for caricature
Recent Examples of Synonyms for caricature
Noun
  • However the season's second episode, which features a parody of Charlie Kirk, continues to be absent from the schedule.
    Taijuan Moorman, USA Today, 17 Sep. 2025
  • However, this reboot is more so a parody that starts as a reboot, but is definitely not a reboot.
    James Brizuela, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Alan Dershowitz, the famed attorney who once counted Epstein as a client, submitted a spoof cover of Vanity Fair, tweaked as Vanity Unfair, with fake headlines speculating that Epstein was Jack the Ripper and had financed the terrorist group Al Qaeda.
    Miles Klee, Rolling Stone, 9 Sep. 2025
  • Other early influences included a stint assisting Ken Shapiro, director of 1974’s pre-SNL sketch spoof The Groove Tube.
    Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 27 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • But to say — as some Panthers fans are doing these days — that he should immediately be traded or is a complete draft bust is an over-exaggeration.
    Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 16 Sep. 2025
  • Despite the mess in her apartment, the man, like everyone else in her life, brushes off her fears as the exaggerations of an overactive imagination.
    Marya E. Gates, IndieWire, 9 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Many on the right have reacted strongly to those perceived to be celebrating or mocking Kirk's death, calling for consequences such as losing their jobs or in Omar's case, being censured.
    Alia Shoaib, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Sep. 2025
  • Comedy Central responded to Kirk’s killing by pulling the episode mocking him from its regular rotation.
    Dominick Mastrangelo, The Hill, 17 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • But one Democratic member of the FCC tells her that Carr can't pull a license just because the administration doesn't like a joke or criticism.
    Brittney Melton, NPR, 19 Sep. 2025
  • After general manager Bill Guerin spoke to reporters, declining to go into detail about the ongoing contract negotiations, superstar winger Kirill Kaprizov spoke to reporters, as well, smiling big, cracking jokes, and declaring his love for Minnesota.
    Dane Mizutani, Twin Cities, 19 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Developer Arrowhead has characterized the game as a satire.
    Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 12 Sep. 2025
  • What Castro depicts, in pointillist satire, is the way someone on the inside might come to agree.
    Jeremy Gordon, The Atlantic, 12 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Flexus by Spring Step Giller Boiled Wool Clogs With their stunning bordeaux coloring and easy slip-on design, these clogs are a cozy and functional statement piece for the season that channels the witchy fall style of iconic films like Practical Magic and The Craft.
    Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 18 Sep. 2025
  • Its fins are mostly white with black, orange and yellowish coloring.
    Lauren Liebhaber, Miami Herald, 17 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Later in the game, when officials did call a travel on Atlanta, Clark was seen imitating the gesture again, playfully.
    Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 17 Sep. 2025
  • Student imitates Charlie Kirk's death and mocks him, goes up to statue where TPUSA members are and imitates his death again, and spits near them.
    Nick Mordowanec, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Sep. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Caricature.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/caricature. Accessed 21 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on caricature

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!