caricature 1 of 2

1
as in parody
a poor, insincere, or insulting imitation of something that TV network's reporting is a mere caricature of real journalism

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2
as in spoof
a work that imitates and exaggerates another work for comic effect the artist creates caricatures of famous paintings by replacing humans with cats

Synonyms & Similar Words

3

caricature

2 of 2

verb

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun caricature differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of caricature are burlesque, parody, and travesty. While all these words mean "a comic or grotesque imitation," caricature implies ludicrous exaggeration of the characteristic features of a subject.

caricatures of politicians in cartoons

When might burlesque be a better fit than caricature?

The meanings of burlesque and caricature largely overlap; however, burlesque implies mockery especially through giving a serious or lofty subject a frivolous treatment.

a nightclub burlesque of a trial in court

In what contexts can parody take the place of caricature?

The synonyms parody and caricature are sometimes interchangeable, but parody applies especially to treatment of a trivial or ludicrous subject in the exactly imitated style of a well-known author or work.

a witty parody of a popular novel

When is travesty a more appropriate choice than caricature?

The words travesty and caricature are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, travesty implies that the subject remains unchanged but that the style is extravagant or absurd.

this production is a travesty of the opera

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 caricature
Noun
Though Weisberger and Streep have repeatedly — including in EW's 2021 oral history on the film — stressed that the actress' ruthless character was not a direct caricature of Wintour, many in the fashion world interpreted the book as a scathing take on the esteemed figure. Mekishana Pierre, EW.com, 26 June 2025 Lapid trades in indelicate satire for indelicate times — Y at one point literally and lavishly licks his wealthy benefactor’s gleaming knee-high boots — so these grisly verses at first seem a typically blunt caricature of Israeli nationalism at its most ruthless. Guy Lodge, Variety, 23 May 2025
Verb
The muted, elegant interiors, for instance, are designed by David Rockwell, whose burgundies and golds evoke the dramatics of the theatre district without overtly caricaturing it. Helen Rosner, New Yorker, 18 May 2025 Morning and afternoon activities are offered every day, and musicians, caricatures artists and pet therapists visit to keep residents entertained. Joshua Zatulskis, Hartford Courant, 25 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for caricature
Recent Examples of Synonyms for caricature
Noun
  • Fittingly, Yankovic and Miranda pulled together a parody of the viral Coldplay Cheating Camera with some help from Colbert’s late-night peers.
    Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 22 July 2025
  • Colbert soon developed a character for himself, a parody of conservative political pundits loosely based on Bill O'Reilly, then on Fox News.
    Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 19 July 2025
Noun
  • Following the success of 1980 spoof film Airplane!, which made $78 million at the box office ($214 million today) co-directors David Zucker, Jim Abrahams and Jerry Zucker hoped to make a similar comedy about police officers inspired by the 1950s Lee Marvin drama series M Squad.
    Ryan Gajewski, HollywoodReporter, 13 July 2025
  • The actress hosted a cookout with Bounty on June 25 in Los Angeles, and there, and shared her barbecue essentials and favorite scene from the spoof with PEOPLE. Hall, 54, has positive memories of working with Keenan Ivory Wayans for the first time on the set of the 2000 classic.
    Angelina Liu, People.com, 7 July 2025
Noun
  • This remains pure conjecture, and an exaggeration of the role of symbiosis beyond what mainstream evolutionary theory would support; random mutation is still considered the main driver of speciation.
    Zoë Schlanger, The Atlantic, 23 July 2025
  • To say that neither shoulder pads, leg warmers, or acid wash jeans left as deep an imprint as ‘80s sneakers is not an exaggeration.
    Paulina Berges, Glamour, 19 July 2025
Verb
  • He was previously mocked on social media during a loss to Austin Peay in November, when the Fox College Hoops broadcast showed Clark sitting in the stands.
    Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 19 July 2025
  • But their identities — and the speculative affair — became fodder for millions online, from memes mocking the encounter to serious debate over HR violations.
    Jesus Mesa, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 July 2025
Noun
  • Chinese officials in the eastern province of Zhejiang have put stand-up comics on notice to avoid jokes that could fuel resentment between the sexes.
    Micah McCartney, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 July 2025
  • According to the site, there were allegedly posts that included fat-shaming and rape jokes, among other topics via the Q&A platform Curious Cat.
    Ilana Kaplan, People.com, 24 July 2025
Noun
  • Often a satire of American and British culture, the character has bionic eyes and is empowered to serve as judge, jury and executioner in the fascist society.
    Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 17 July 2025
  • The character and his stories were a satire on a judicial system taken to the extreme.
    Borys Kit, HollywoodReporter, 17 July 2025
Noun
  • Dogs come in all shapes and sizes, sporting unique coloring and personalities, but one recent social-media post quickly captured the attention of internet users after an owner showed off her dog's unusually long tail.
    Liz O'Connell, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 July 2025
  • Because of their petite size and dark coloring, these snakes can easily hide or blend in with the landscape.
    Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 24 July 2025
Verb
  • Perhaps the Lake Bluff streakers heard of those at CLC and wanted to imitate them.
    Charles Selle, Chicago Tribune, 23 July 2025
  • The park’s hub-and-spoke design has been copied by parks around the world, but the caliber of Disneyland’s craftsmanship wasn’t easily imitated.
    Eve Chen, USA Today, 18 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Caricature.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/caricature. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

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