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 Jo Piazza's latest is an incredibly spot-on thriller slash satire of our current obsession with homemaker influencers. —Stephanie McNeal, Glamour, 4 July 2025 There’s a lot of comedy and satire, and ironic use of music. —Ritesh Mehta, IndieWire, 27 June 2025 Earlier, during his days with Monty Python, Gilliam co-wrote biblical black comedy The Life of Brian, whose themes of religious satire drew accusations of blasphemy and protests. —Nancy Tartaglione, Deadline, 7 July 2025 The logline portends a comedy, possibly a parody, even a satire. —Robert Lloyd, Twin Cities, 3 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for satire
Recent Examples of Synonyms for satire
  1. parody
  2. spoof
  3. comedy
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
Definition of parody
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
Definition of spoof
Noun
  • His performance in The Studio garnered him a nod for outstanding guest actor in a comedy series.
    — Julia Moore, People.com, 15 July 2025
  • The series received nominations in major categories, including four individual nominations for Rogen — outstanding comedy series, lead actor, writing, and directing.
    — Clayton Davis, Variety, 15 July 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 Jul. 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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