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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Social media is filled with caricatures of guys who either completely miss the mark or almost get there but fall just short—across the board, not just Black men. —

Ruhama Wolle, Glamour, 22 Jan. 2025 There’s not a trace of affection for the female protagonists in The Substance, and the men are merely caricatures. —

Erik Kain, Forbes, 18 Jan. 2025

Verb

Elegy thus belongs to an old and ignoble genre, one which caricatures the hillbilly for an audience’s titillation. —

Sarah Jones, Vulture, 15 July 2024 As is human nature, the two sides caricature each other and try to demonize each other. —

Caroline Mimbs Nyce, The Atlantic, 21 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for caricature

Recent Examples of Synonyms for caricature

Noun

The brand will collaborate with the long-running NBC sketch comedy show on a parody commercial spotlighting the benefits of the new hair care line.

— WWD Staff, WWD, 13 Feb. 2025
Dratch was the last in a group of five SNL alums to debut her Real Housewives tagline parody, spoofing the franchise's tradition of the housewives introducing themselves with a catty one-liner.

— Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 12 Feb. 2025