TRAVESTY Synonyms: 85 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the noun 'travesty' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of travesty are burlesque , caricature , and parody . While all these words mean "a comic or grotesque imitation," travesty implies that the subject remains unchanged but that the style is extravagant or absurd. // this production is a travesty of the opera

Q: When could 'burlesque' be used to replace 'travesty'?

The words burlesque and travesty 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

Q: Where would 'caricature' be a reasonable alternative to 'travesty'?

While the synonyms caricature and travesty are close in meaning, caricature implies ludicrous exaggeration of the characteristic features of a subject. // caricatures of politicians in cartoons

Q: When would 'parody' be a good substitute for 'travesty'?

The words parody and travesty can be used in similar contexts, 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

travesty 1 of 2

noun

ˈtra-və-stē

Definition of travesty next

as in parody

a poor, insincere, or insulting imitation of something rigged from the start, his trial was a travesty of justice

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in spoof

a work that imitates and exaggerates another work for comic effect the big-screen version of the classic sitcom is actually a good-natured travesty of the TV series

Synonyms & Similar Words

travesty

2 of 2

verb

as in to parody

to copy or exaggerate (someone or something) in order to make fun of this comedy sketch mindlessly travesties the hard work of relief workers around the world

Synonyms & Similar Words

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How does the noun travesty differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of travesty are burlesque, caricature, and parody. While all these words mean "a comic or grotesque imitation," travesty implies that the subject remains unchanged but that the style is extravagant or absurd.

this production is a travesty of the opera

When could burlesque be used to replace travesty?

The words burlesque and travesty 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

Where would caricature be a reasonable alternative to travesty?

While the synonyms caricature and travesty are close in meaning, caricature implies ludicrous exaggeration of the characteristic features of a subject.

caricatures of politicians in cartoons

When would parody be a good substitute for travesty?

The words parody and travesty can be used in similar contexts, 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

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 travesty

Noun

As of publication, the outlet also confirmed the travesty has killed at least five people and forced 100,000 people from their homes. —

Regina Cho, VIBE.com, 9 Jan. 2025 Making them a condition for using a passkey would be a travesty. —

Dan Goodin, Ars Technica, 30 Dec. 2024

Verb

In 1933, the Marx Brothers mocked dictatorship with Duck Soup; three decades later, Kubrick and writer Terry Southern travestied the Bomb. —

The New Republic, 22 June 2023 Readers may be tempted to side at one moment with the defenders of Jewish caution and Jewish sentiment, however their instincts are travestied, and soon afterward with Zuckerman’s principled view of the autonomy of art. —

Cynthia Ozick, WSJ, 25 May 2018 See all Example Sentences for travesty

Recent Examples of Synonyms for travesty

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