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 next

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

Examples Sentences

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Recent Examples of caricature

Noun

More often than not, and regardless of the characters actual ethnic background, their accents sound like a sonic caricature of a Nigerian accent. —

Kui Mwai, Essence, 20 Dec. 2024 Each lawyer, then, in his or her own way, played a part in creating a caricature: Danny, the kid in a tough situation trying his best to do the right thing; Mr. Neely, that malodorous man with schizophrenia stoking passengers’ fears on the subway. —

Adam Iscoe, The New Yorker, 9 Dec. 2024

Verb

The Big Business Republicans of yore are sometimes caricatured for seeking corporate tax cuts above all else. —

Ramesh Ponnuru, Washington Post, 18 July 2024 In storylines caricatured from real life, Shannen was the free-spirited, post-fame holdout, and the one whose paycheck was the envy of her castmates. —

Judy Berman, TIME, 14 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for caricature

Recent Examples of Synonyms for caricature

Noun

There are so many fascinating takes in this film, including their views on religion and SNL (the parodies bothered them because they were never invited on the show).

Debby Wolfinsohn, EW.com, 11 Jan. 2025
The history of legitimately funny musical acts that are not parodies is a short.

Christopher Borrelli, Chicago Tribune, 4 Jan. 2025