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 The author behind the singular Elizabeth Zott returns with ‘Peck & Peck,’ a sharp, charming satire on the pretensions and perils of literary gatekeepers. — Leigh Haber, Los Angeles Times, 13 Oct. 2026 What readers are saying The comments reflect a mix of satire, criticism, and political commentary. — Lucas Trevor, Washington Post, 11 Oct. 2026 Anne Hathaway penned her first-ever review on Letterboxd on Tuesday to praise director Alejandro González Iñárritu’s new climate crisis satire. — Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 7 Oct. 2026 Altman isn’t the only big name who gets chewed up and spit out by Guadagnino’s dark satire. — Chris Murphy, Vanity Fair, 6 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for satire
Recent Examples of Synonyms for satire
  1. parody
  2. spoof
  3. comedy
Noun
  • The joke became the Cockroach Janta Party, a parody of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s BJP, and then a protest movement.
    — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 26 Oct. 2026
  • For those who don't know, GTA VI is set in the fictional Vice City, which is a parody of real-life South Florida.
    — Austin Perry OutKick, FOXNews.com, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of parody
Noun
  • The film draws on 1980s supernatural comedies, including Back to the Future, Ghostbusters and The Addams Family, alongside classic monster movies and horror spoofs.
    — Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 22 Oct. 2026
  • Was there ever a thought that maybe the whole movie should just be a ’90s spoof?
    — Mike Ryan, IndieWire, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of spoof
Noun
  • There’s also the shifting relationship between tech and comedy.
    — Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 24 Oct. 2026
  • The film is a wild, frequently grotesque spectacle that careens between horror, action, slapstick, and black comedy.
    — Lisa Wong Macabasco, Vogue, 23 Oct. 2026
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 28 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on satire

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about satire

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