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

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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 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 Others are satiric vignettes—pointed takedowns of sham humanitarians, sham foreign journalists, sham white saviors and their sham schemes to save the continent—whose villains can read more like stock inventions than like surprising ones. —Alexis Okeowo, The New Yorker, 30 Oct. 2024 See All Example Sentences for satiric
Recent Examples of Synonyms for satiric
  1. sarcastic
  2. biting
  3. barbed
  4. sharp
Adjective
  • Always down to gossip and party, Redmond exudes Gemini's energy through his zesty and sarcastic attitude.
    — Lisa Stardust, People.com, 31 Mar. 2025
  • This is not just a sarcastic take but a practical one.
    — Jaron Lanier, The New Yorker, 22 Mar. 2025
Definition of sarcastic
Adjective
  • Many of his biting posts have gone viral, drawing thousands of shares and millions of views.
    — Ron Estes, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Mar. 2025
  • The criticism from Barney Ronay at The Guardian was even more biting.
    — Zak Garner-Purkis, Forbes, 23 Mar. 2025
Definition of biting
Adjective
  • An enemy then grabs the barbed wire with his bare hands — which already sounds like a bad idea, btw — only for the wire to shock him backward.
    — Dalton Ross, EW.com, 20 Mar. 2025
  • Additionally, the walls were covered in barbed wire, and the balcony had a large privacy wall.
    — Olivia B. Waxman, TIME, 7 Mar. 2025
Definition of barbed
Adjective
  • After the sharp drop this Thursday/Friday, the S&P 500 was down nearly 12% YTD (as of midday Friday) and 18% off all-time highs due to fears on stagflation and worries over the Trump Administration’s newest tariff policies.
    — Randy Watts, Forbes.com, 4 Apr. 2025
  • Even at such a low price, this unit is packed with features and performance, including a wide 180 degree viewing angle, sharp 2K video, smart object detection and more.
    — K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 4 Apr. 2025
Definition of sharp

Browse Nearby Words

satires
satiric
satirist
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Satiric.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/satiric. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.

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Nglish: Translation of satiric for Spanish Speakers

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