parody 1 of 2

Definition of parodynext
1
as in spoof
a work that imitates and exaggerates another work for comic effect the musical is a parody of every biblical epic ever made

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in joke
a poor, insincere, or insulting imitation of something the young man sported a feeble parody of a mustache in a vain attempt to make himself look older

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

parody

2 of 2

verb

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun parody differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of parody are burlesque, caricature, and travesty. While all these words mean "a comic or grotesque imitation," 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

Where would burlesque be a reasonable alternative to parody?

The words burlesque and parody are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, burlesque implies mockery especially through giving a serious or lofty subject a frivolous treatment.

a nightclub burlesque of a trial in court

When is caricature a more appropriate choice than parody?

Although the words caricature and parody have much in common, caricature implies ludicrous exaggeration of the characteristic features of a subject.

caricatures of politicians in cartoons

When could travesty be used to replace parody?

The synonyms travesty and parody are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 parody
Noun
There are franchise social teams locked in a creative arms race that began with the Seahawks’ 2016 cupcake video and has since escalated into a leaguewide content Hunger Games, where every team is one bad parody away from being roasted by its own fans. Eddie Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 May 2026 An unauthorized musical parody, written by Dylan MarcAurele and directed by Alan Kliffer, opened Off-Broadway on May 12 and has already been extended through September 7, 2026. Olivia Shalhoup, Forbes.com, 14 May 2026
Verb
Heidecker — the mind behind projects including The Tim and Eric Show and On Cinema — has been parodying Jones for years. Rolling Stone, 22 Apr. 2026 There will be plenty of The Onion’s signature style of news satire, Collins said, noting that much of the initial content will parody social media influencers and media figures like Jones who peddle questionable supplements. Hadas Gold, CNN Money, 20 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for parody
Recent Examples of Synonyms for parody
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
Noun
  • Just ask Harris, whose handling of the border under Biden became a running joke in politics.
    Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 14 May 2026
  • Now, if there’s some people telling these jokes at a church service, that would be one thing.
    Théoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 14 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
  • Still, this season feels marked by emotion, satire, and, at times, a simple celebration of life itself.
    Tiana Randall, Forbes.com, 22 May 2026
  • Colbert began hosting The Late Show in 2015, taking the baton from David Letterman, after hosting the news satire show The Colbert Report on Comedy Central.
    Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 22 May 2026
Noun
  • In 1856, the body of what is thought to have been the first gorilla to reach Europe was purchased by a travel writer, taxidermist, and showman who transformed it into a bizarre caricature of Martin Luther—the facial expressions were supposed to be similar.
    Matthew Wills, JSTOR Daily, 18 May 2026
  • The filmmaker also wanted to steer clear of caricatures on either side of the conflict.
    Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 17 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
  • The Indianapolis Colts pointed the finger at themselves in their Simpsons’ cartoon.
    Teresa M. Walker, Chicago Tribune, 15 May 2026
  • Other newcomers to the movie’s cartoon universe are Ike Barinholtz, Ego Nwodim, Josh Johnson, Matt Friend, Rhys Darby and Cristo Fernández.
    Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 14 May 2026
Verb
  • The advantage that Republicans might hope to obtain by this November, could, hypothetically, grow even more if the Democrats did nothing before 2028.
    Isaac Chotiner, New Yorker, 15 May 2026
  • Isn’t that what a team captain would do?
    Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 15 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Parody.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/parody. Accessed 23 May. 2026.

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