Synonyms of parody

parody 1 of 2

noun

ˈper-ə-dē 

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

• spoof
• satire
• caricature
• imitation
• burlesque
• send-up
• takeoff
• travesty
• sketch
• rib
• comedy
• distortion
• put-on
• mockery
• farce
• lampoon
• exaggeration
• humor
• impersonation
• slapstick
• squib
• mimicking

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

• joke
• caricature
• cartoon
• sham
• farce
• comedy
• mockery
• hoax
• simulation
• travesty
• burlesque
• counterfeit
• lampoon
• pretense
• pretence
• takeoff
• forgery
• fake
• knockoff
• phony
• phoney
• feigning
• humbug

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• tribute
• homage

parody

2 of 2

verb

as in to mock

to copy or exaggerate (someone or something) in order to make fun of

parodying a public figure's distinctive mannerisms takes particular talent

Synonyms & Similar Words

• mock
• imitate
• spoof
• caricature
• do
• mimic
• burlesque
• emulate
• send up
• ridicule
• simulate
• satirize
• travesty
• perform
• reproduce
• play
• lampoon
• pretend
• jibe
• deride
• parrot
• personate
• replicate
• act
• stretch
• enhance
• duplicate
• ape
• gibe
• monkey
• fake
• counterfeit
• pasquinade
• elaborate
• pantomime
• sham
• mime
• feign
• pad
• copycat
• exaggerate
• play up
• expand
• enlarge (on or upon)
• flesh (out)
• embroider
• dissemble
• put on
• embellish
• amplify
• impersonate
• overstate
• overdraw
• magnify

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

Examples of parody in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The highlight of the TikTok sketch comes up shortly after with two parody videos of TikToker Harry Daniels singing to Vice President Kamala Harris and former U.S. President Donald Trump. —Athena Sobhan, People.com, 21 Oct. 2024

The sketch is close to five minutes, which can often doom SNL parodies, but the combination of the catchy melody and ridiculous confession has made the song a staple on social media apps, including TikTok. —Ct Jones, Rolling Stone, 18 Oct. 2024

Verb

Saturday Night Live is known for parodying some of history's most iconic figures, oftentimes without their permission. —Jade Gomez, People.com, 8 Oct. 2024

By parodying Mann’s discourse, The Empusium seems designed to take The Magic Mountain down a peg or two. —Bekah Waalkes, The Atlantic, 3 Oct. 2024