SATIRIC Synonyms: 88 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

satiric

adjective

sə-ˈtir-ik

variants or satirical

Definition of satiric next

as in sarcastic

marked by the use of wit that is intended to cause hurt feelings a satiric story about the movie business

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 Others are satiric vignettes—pointed takedowns of sham humanitarians, sham foreign journalists, sham white saviors and their sham schemes to save the continent—whose villains can read more like stock inventions than like surprising ones. —

Alexis Okeowo, The New Yorker, 30 Oct. 2024 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 See all Example Sentences for satiric

Recent Examples of Synonyms for satiric

Adjective

Ally and Jay are both sarcastic, too — their best lines are muttered under their breaths — and their repartee becomes more interesting than the bloody theatrics.

— Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 5 Feb. 2025
When Filip Hronek took a soft point shot that Darcy Kuemper stopped shortly after, the crowd responded with a sarcastic Bronx cheer.

— Harman Dayal, The Athletic, 16 Jan. 2025