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 Misery, a horror movie with a satiric streak, launched Bates’s film stardom. —Tim Grierson, Vulture, 21 Feb. 2025 The real star of the show, though, is not the satiric script or the campy performances, but rather how each character brings their own unique approach to dressing for the corporate ladder. —Christian Allaire, Vogue, 18 Feb. 2025 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 See All Example Sentences for satiric
Recent Examples of Synonyms for satiric
  1. sarcastic
  2. biting
  3. barbed
  4. sharp
Adjective
  • His passion for all-things superhero has a giddy innocence to it even when his films are sarcastic or jokey.
    — Tim Grierson, Vulture, 11 July 2025
  • Both of us were sarcastic and fun and funny, and always making jokes and pranks and just having fun with everybody on set.
    — Daniela Avila, People.com, 9 July 2025
Definition of sarcastic
Adjective
  • There is a place to scamper inside to escape the biting winds at Nordkapp — a visitor center with a coffee shop, theater, small museum and continental Europe’s northernmost post office.
    — Dan Fellner, AZCentral.com, 6 July 2025
  • Share the research from 30 years ago that concludes these devices do not significantly reduce mosquito or biting insect populations.
    — Markis Hill, Kansas City Star, 4 July 2025
Definition of biting
Adjective
  • Investigators learned that Zeng, during his alleged escape, threw clothing over a fence and climbed through barbed wire, Podgorski said.
    — Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 14 July 2025
  • This is the culmination of storylines, careers and blood feuds wrapped in a Lone Star barbed wire bow.
    — Jenny Catlin, New York Times, 12 July 2025
Definition of barbed
Adjective
  • Over time, whites grew increasingly uneasy about submitting to Black barbers wielding sharp instruments.
    — Margaret Talbot, New Yorker, 21 July 2025
  • Craftsmen sit on the floor, one hand plying the sharp needle from above while the other feeds silk thread from below the fabric.
    — Pooja Shah, Forbes.com, 21 July 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 29 Jul. 2025.

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Nglish: Translation of satiric for Spanish Speakers

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