satire

noun

ˈsa-ˌtī(-ə)r How to pronounce satire (audio)
Definition of satirenext
as in parody
a creative work that uses sharp humor to point up the foolishness of a person, institution, or human nature in general a satire about the music industry in which a handsome but untalented youth is turned into a pop star

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Synonym Chooser

How does the noun satire differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of satire are humor, irony, repartee, sarcasm, and wit. While all these words mean "a mode of expression intended to arouse amusement," satire applies to writing that exposes or ridicules conduct, doctrines, or institutions either by direct criticism or more often through irony, parody, or caricature.

a satire on the Congress

Where would humor be a reasonable alternative to satire?

While in some cases nearly identical to satire, humor implies an ability to perceive the ludicrous, the comical, and the absurd in human life and to express these usually without bitterness.

a sense of humor

When is irony a more appropriate choice than satire?

Although the words irony and satire have much in common, irony applies to a manner of expression in which the intended meaning is the opposite of what is seemingly expressed.

the irony of the title

When would repartee be a good substitute for satire?

The synonyms repartee and satire are sometimes interchangeable, but repartee implies the power of answering quickly, pointedly, or wittily.

a dinner guest noted for repartee

When can sarcasm be used instead of satire?

The words sarcasm and satire can be used in similar contexts, but sarcasm applies to expression frequently in the form of irony that is intended to cut or wound.

given to heartless sarcasm

When could wit be used to replace satire?

The meanings of wit and satire largely overlap; however, wit suggests the power to evoke laughter by remarks showing verbal felicity or ingenuity and swift perception especially of the incongruous.

a playful wit

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 satire Vases whisper with satire, tapestries teem with hidden truths, furniture and sculpture alike bear the mark of Perry’s irreverent grace. —Lee Sharrock, Forbes.com, 13 May 2025 Other shows the duo have created for CBS Studios over the years include supernatural drama Evil, which just wrapped its four-season run on CBS and Paramount+ as well as CBS’ political satire/sci-fi series BrainDead. —Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 7 May 2025 Peacock In the Know: A stop-motion animation series made for adults, In the Know was a political satire developed by Zach Woods and was canceled after one season. —Kathleen Walsh, Glamour, 2 May 2025 The novels for adults form a genre unto themselves: part crime thriller, part satire, part unvarnished social commentary. —Amy Weiss-Meyer, The Atlantic, 8 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for satire
Recent Examples of Synonyms for satire
  1. parody
  2. spoof
  3. comedy
Noun
  • Ferrell's Ricky Bobby also serves as a pitch-perfect parody of the ego-driven, preening male protagonists of many a racing film.
    — James Mercadante, EW.com, 20 May 2025
  • Saturday Night Live's best car sketches, parodies and fake ads Who is in the Season 50 'SNL' cast?
    — Natalie Neysa Alund, USA Today, 16 May 2025
Definition of parody
Noun
  • Their spoof of Donald Trump and Joe Biden bickering about who was the better golfer was conceived and recorded while the CNN presidential debate was still ongoing, and released immediately afterward.
    — Don Riddell, CNN Money, 27 May 2025
  • Appealing to the kids Somehow, the Chargers and Colts ended up with the same approach of a Minecraft theme, and both making a spoof of the Rapoport-Schultz scuffle.
    — Schuyler Dixon, Chicago Tribune, 15 May 2025
Definition of spoof
Noun
  • The Emmy-winning comedy has been renewed for a fifth season.
    — Christopher Rudolph, People.com, 30 May 2025
  • Before a new hour of comedy hits a Netflix special, it’s been tested in dozens of clubs.
    — Scott Hutcheson, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025
Definition of comedy

Browse Nearby Words

satiny
satire
satires
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Cite this Entry

“Satire.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/satire. Accessed 3 Jun. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on satire

Nglish: Translation of satire for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about satire

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