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

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 The anime first premiered in October 2015, earning widespread acclaim for its satirical take on superhero tropes and stunning action sequences. Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 7 Oct. 2025 Count Dracula remains a fixture in the horror genre, having been featured in movies that range from scary and sexy to silly and satirical. Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 6 Oct. 2025 The Grand Guignol gets a Bollywood makeover in Virat Pal’s satirical bloodfest about hapless paparazzi stumbling upon the dark secret behind a beloved Mumbai movie star’s beauty and tireless commitment to her craft. A.a. Dowd, Vulture, 3 Oct. 2025 Kuang's latest is a satirical look at the brutal nature of academia. Carly Tagen-Dye, PEOPLE, 27 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for satiric
Recent Examples of Synonyms for satiric
Adjective
  • As a model named Carl, stuck in a relationship corrupted by microcelebrity and Instagram view counts, Dickinson ticks with exasperation and sarcastic logic, his jaw clenched, his eyes wide and staring.
    Carrie Battan, Vulture, 6 Oct. 2025
  • Following the mother-daughter duo of Lorelai Gilmore, played by Lauren Graham, and Rory, played by Alexis Bledel, Gilmore Girls was perfectly made for millennials, packed with wistful romances, frustrating dramatic turns and just enough sarcastic jokes.
    Stephanie Sengwe, PEOPLE, 5 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • But usually the administration official doesn’t fight back in such a biting way.
    David Lightman, Sacbee.com, 7 Oct. 2025
  • Over nearly three decades, Baumbach has built a career chronicling families in crisis and artists at the crossroads, his films combining biting wit with an unflinching emotional honesty.
    Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 3 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The actress is clearly relishing the opportunity to deliver Aaron Sorkin’s barbed dialogue (though perhaps not as much as Philip Seymour Hoffman, who steals the show as an explosive CIA functionary).
    Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 10 Oct. 2025
  • Watch this just for all the quick lands and barbed moments here alone.
    Andy Hoglund, Entertainment Weekly, 5 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • His positioning and reading of the game remain sharp, his footwork is clean, and his reactions are quick.
    Beren Cross, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2025
  • From the 1960s through the 2000s, no one skewered a crowd with sharper affection.
    Benjamin Svetkey, HollywoodReporter, 15 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Satiric.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/satiric. Accessed 18 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on satiric

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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