variants or satirical
Definition of satiricnext

Synonym Chooser

How is the word satiric different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of satiric are ironic, sarcastic, and sardonic. While all these words mean "marked by bitterness and a power or will to cut or sting," satiric implies that the intent of the ridiculing is censure and reprobation.

a satiric look at contemporary society

When can ironic be used instead of satiric?

Although the words ironic and satiric have much in common, ironic implies an attempt to be amusing or provocative by saying usually the opposite of what is meant.

made the ironic observation that the government could always be trusted

When would sarcastic be a good substitute for satiric?

In some situations, the words sarcastic and satiric are roughly equivalent. However, sarcastic implies an intentional inflicting of pain by deriding, taunting, or ridiculing.

a critic known for his sarcastic remarks

Where would sardonic be a reasonable alternative to satiric?

The meanings of sardonic and satiric largely overlap; however, sardonic implies scorn, mockery, or derision that is manifested by either verbal or facial expression.

surveyed the scene with a sardonic smile

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 satiric As journalism scholar Paul Alonso writes, looking at two cases from South America, sometimes satirical media takes up the slack. Livia Gershon, JSTOR Daily, 27 Mar. 2026 Since its premiere, the show has received critical acclaim for Smart and Einbender’s performances, as well as its satirical look at the ins and outs of show business. Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 23 Mar. 2026 The darkly satiric film expands to LA, SF, and DC next week and nationwide throughout April. Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 20 Mar. 2026 Where the Story Actually Came From The original story originated from a March 4, 2026, post by The Dude Humor Report, a Facebook page that publishes fictional and satirical content. Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 17 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for satiric
Recent Examples of Synonyms for satiric
Adjective
  • Doncic held both arms aloft in sarcastic celebration.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 1 Apr. 2026
  • As for the time difference, Shanahan was sarcastic with his response to the San Francisco Chronicle.
    Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 30 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Tangled pieces of barbed wire, reams of rubble and fallen concrete scarred the skyline in Karaj, western Iran, on Friday, after the US military bombed a major new bridge under construction.
    Leila Gharagozlou, CNN Money, 3 Apr. 2026
  • The fuzzy-looking crawlers can cause irritation and a rash to anyone whose skin comes in direct contact with the barbed hairs that cover the caterpillar.
    Rachel Raposas, PEOPLE, 31 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • The acidic composition of white vinegar works efficiently to break down the film that can accumulate on your windows.
    Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Kansas City Star, 30 Mar. 2026
  • That’s thanks to a confluence of factors, not least of which is advancing can liner technology that make acidic beverages, like wine, more stable inside the package.
    Kate Bernot, Outside, 30 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Plants like blueberries, roses, tomatoes, hydrangeas, and azaleas, in particular, are acid and nitrogen lovers.
    Asia London Palomba, The Spruce, 2 Apr. 2026
  • Some of the movie is an acid satire of pre-wedding rituals — like the first dance that Charlie and Emma are dutifully rehearsing for, with a ridiculously stern taskmaster of a coach.
    Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 31 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Satiric.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/satiric. Accessed 6 Apr. 2026.

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