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 Some of them can be reached with a little style, a little satire, and a willingness to look absolutely unhinged in front of strangers. —Junnelle Hogen, Outside, 19 Oct. 2025 The late-night sketch show — which began late tonight due to college football — eschewed its typical political satire for a Domingo reunion during its Cold Open, featuring a reprisal by Marcello Hernandez and Carpenter. —Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 18 Oct. 2025 The satire debuted to strong reviews at its premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival and maintained momentum to land its star Nicolas Cage a Golden Globe nomination for best actor in a motion picture comedy or musical. —J. Kim Murphy, Variety, 17 Oct. 2025 Season 27 of the beloved series is a ratings bonanza for Comedy Central, as well as a creative triumph for its showrunners, Trey Parker and Matt Stone, and a delight for fans of irreverent topical satire. —Kevin Dolak, HollywoodReporter, 17 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for satire
Recent Examples of Synonyms for satire
  1. parody
  2. spoof
  3. comedy
Noun
  • Regretting You is a similarly ridiculous and overwrought slice of melodrama, leavened with strange moments of comedy that leave you wondering if the whole thing isn’t some kind of bizarre art project, an elaborate, camp parody of the very notion of romantic literature itself.
    — Damon Wise, Deadline, 22 Oct. 2025
  • This semester's show is a musical parody of Love Island called Love on an Island.
    — Hannah Sacks, PEOPLE, 20 Oct. 2025
Definition of parody
Noun
  • Damian Lewis, Ben Radcliffe, Thomasin McKenzie, and Tom Felton star in the upcoming spoof of British period dramas.
    — Mike Miller, Entertainment Weekly, 28 Oct. 2025
  • Malin Akerman paid homage to her hilarious wig in Hunting Wives during a Halloween spoof for Sonic.
    — Sabrina Weiss, PEOPLE, 22 Oct. 2025
Definition of spoof
Noun
  • Laugh Factory Chicago is crowdsourcing to assist night manager Nathan Griffin with legal funds after he was arrested Friday morning outside the comedy club.
    — Glenn Garner, Deadline, 26 Oct. 2025
  • Since the pioneering French electronic duo announced their split in 2021, Bangalter has scored several projects, including a French ballet and a comedy film inspired by Salvador Dalí.
    — Mitchell Peters, Billboard, 26 Oct. 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 30 Oct. 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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