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 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 Herzog’s adaptation prunes away the expository overgrowth of Ibsen’s satiric drama. Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times, 9 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for satiric 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for satiric
Adjective
  • But Baldoni alleges that the Times ignored additional context in the same text exchange that indicates Nathan and Abel were joking and being sarcastic.
    Brian Welk, IndieWire, 31 Dec. 2024
  • Frustrated that people do not believe his consistent response to the same question, his tone grew sarcastic.
    Emmanuel Morgan, New York Times, 26 Dec. 2024
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
  • Meanwhile, Yoon’s guards have increased security at his Seoul residential compound with barbed wire installations and bus barricades.
    Ryan Hogg, Fortune Asia, 10 Jan. 2025
  • The fence angered local ranchers and outdoor enthusiasts, who gathered in the forest in late October to tear down the Free Land Holders’ fence posts and barbed wire.
    Noelle Phillips, The Denver Post, 9 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • In Britain, worries over the country’s borrowing needs contributed to a sharp sell-off in the nation’s government bonds, known as gilts, with the yield on the 10-year note rising 0.24 percentage points, on course for its biggest one-week move in a year.
    Joe Rennison, New York Times, 10 Jan. 2025
  • The design cues of the hands, hour markers, and even lugs are Vacheron design at their best, with sharp, crisp lines.
    Blake Buettner, Robb Report, 10 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near satiric

Cite this Entry

“Satiric.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/satiric. Accessed 20 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on satiric

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