satiric

adjective

sə-ˈtir-ik How to pronounce satiric (audio)
variants or satirical
Definition of satiricnext
as in sarcastic
marked by the use of wit that is intended to cause hurt feelings a satiric story about the movie business

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 tone, like the title, is satiric and pitch black. —Andrew Silow-Carroll, Sun Sentinel, 30 Jan. 2025 Gad originated the role of Elder Cunningham alongside Andrew Rannells' Elder Price in a satiric look at two young missionaries' misguided attempts to spread the gospel in a small Ugandan village. —Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 16 Jan. 2025 The show isn't satiric so much as amused by the absurd lengths to which the Kaylas of our society will go in pursuit of self-definition. —Tom Gliatto, People.com, 10 Dec. 2024 Mann at his most satiric has Settembrini contributing an essay to a multivolume project whose purpose is to end suffering. —George Packer, The Atlantic, 5 Nov. 2024 See All Example Sentences for satiric
Recent Examples of Synonyms for satiric
  1. sarcastic
  2. biting
  3. barbed
  4. sharp
Adjective
  • While the jeers towards Xhaka followed the midfielder, Arsenal’s captain at the time, retaliating to sarcastic cheers from the crowd at him being replaced in an October 2019 home match against Crystal Palace, those directed at Eboue were due to his performance.
    — Carl Anka, New York Times, 14 May 2025
  • His first half was littered with increasingly ridiculous highlights: a lefty hook over Isaiah Hartenstein, a potpourri of 3s with hands in his face, a sarcastic stare-down after his defender tried taking a charge, followed by a pass to himself off the backboard to simplify the finish.
    — Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 13 May 2025
Definition of sarcastic
Adjective
  • But when Afrikaners began to take a serious interest in Mr. Trump’s refugee program, the biting remarks were unleashed.
    — Zimasa Matiwane, New York Times, 22 May 2025
  • Katy Perry is continuing to catch strays, this time from the most biting demographic of all: the pop girlie fandom.
    — Jessica Wang, EW.com, 2 May 2025
Definition of biting
Adjective
  • The inmates used blankets to protect themselves from the barbed wire on the fence.
    — Alex Sundby, CBS News, 21 May 2025
  • The men brought blankets to protect themselves from barbed wire.
    — Cindy Von Quednow, CNN Money, 20 May 2025
Definition of barbed
Adjective
  • His equaliser against Leganes in March was a perfect example, with Bellingham sharpest to react when a shot cannoned off the crossbar.
    — Mario Cortegana, New York Times, 22 May 2025
  • The first sign of an eruption at the volcano will be a sharp increase in the number of earthquakes around it, the post states.
    — Louis Casiano, FOXNews.com, 21 May 2025
Definition of sharp

Browse Nearby Words

satires
satiric
satirist
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Cite this Entry

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

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