variants or satirical

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

Examples 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 The satiric sculpture — a comment on the 2021 Capitol riot — appeared on Thursday, Oct. 24, and has a permit to remain through Oct. 30, according to the National Park Service. Cnn.com Wire Service, The Mercury News, 25 Oct. 2024 Neither damning nor satiric, W. is oddly wistful, almost regretful — rare sentiments in a Stone film. Will Leitch, Vulture, 13 Oct. 2024 Peppiatt not only makes drug humor seem joyfully silly again, but treats Irish patriotism as a tempting high worth celebrating; there’s a tough and satiric love at play. Robert Abele, Los Angeles Times, 2 Aug. 2024 This satiric sequel comes close to extending the joke too far, and the plot-starting death of Vanessa (Morena Baccarin) is a lazy-rude contrivance. Nick Romano, EW.com, 26 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for satiric 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for satiric
Adjective
  • If someone calls you out for being sarcastic, here are some ways to recover and mend the miscommunication Be mindful of your filter.
    Anne Sugar, Forbes, 16 Jan. 2025
  • If the landing is bad, applause would be insultingly sarcastic.
    Sydney Borchers, Fox News, 16 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Created by Tony McNamara, who earned Oscar nominations for his writing work on both The Favourite and Poor Things, The Great offers the same combination of lush costumes and scenery mixed with a biting commentary on the world, and a woman’s place in it.
    Jennifer M. Wood, WIRED, 5 Nov. 2024
  • Her awful journey is a raging scream against the patriarchy and a biting critique of how women are viewed, especially by other women.
    The Week US, theweek, 17 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Weeks later, Joe Biden was sworn in as the 46th president of the U.S. behind riot barriers, barbed wire, and under the eyes of more than 25,000 national guard troops.
    Tess Owen, WIRED, 20 Jan. 2025
  • The bill aims to halt further expansion of a controversial 8-foot-tall fence topped with barbed wire that the owner of Cielo Vista Ranch is building in the San Luis Valley.
    Elise Schmelzer, The Denver Post, 16 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • And some lots are still empty, the grass from winter rains wafting in the wind, along with the sharp echoes of hammers and nail guns.
    Jessica Garrison, Los Angeles Times, 22 Jan. 2025
  • The 180-degree rotating lens offers flexible projection angles, while electronic focus and automatic keystone correction ensure sharp images.
    StackCommerce Team (Sponsored), PCMAG, 22 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near satiric

Cite this Entry

“Satiric.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/satiric. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on satiric

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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