SATIRIC Synonyms: 88 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

satiric

adjective

sə-ˈtir-ik

variants or satirical

Definition of satiric

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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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 On Tuesday, protesters were asked to bring diapers and write demands for Pradhan’s resignation on them – a satirical swipe at the government’s inability to stop exam leaks, Dipke said. — Rhea Mogul, CNN Money, 26 June 2026 Fifty years later, Sidney Lumet's satirical dark comedy feels unbelievably current in its premise, especially in a world of 24-hour news cycles, divisive social media and bonkers headlines. — Brian Truitt, USA Today, 1 July 2026 Its headliner attraction is the Meow Wolf Las Vegas’ Omega Mart, a satirical supermarket stocked with fake products like tattooed chicken, frosted hay, leprechaun kidneys and robot milk. — Joe Yogerst, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026 There will be about 80 entries in the parade, according to Folsom Historic District Executive Director Judy Collinsworth, including the Folsom High School Marching Band and the Ophir Prison Marching Band, a satirical group. — Corey Schmidt, Sacbee.com, 29 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for satiric

Recent Examples of Synonyms for satiric

Adjective

This is taken as evidence of his status, not a sarcastic criticism.

— Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 July 2026
On Monday night, Contreras was ejected in the second inning after a check-swing strikeout prompted him to give a sarcastic ABS challenge gesture at the umpire, earning an instant boot.

— Alejandro Avila OutKick, FOXNews.com, 1 July 2026

Definition of sarcastic

Adjective

The fence, as constructed, is more than 8 feet tall and is topped with a strand of barbed wire — too high for many animals to jump and dangerous for those that attempt to do so.

— Elise Schmelzer, Denver Post, 28 June 2026
Vines have grown through the fence and barbed wire surrounding a tall art deco building in this city’s downtown, and cigarette holders and empty food tins litter the tall weeds.

— Susan Svrluga, Washington Post, 24 June 2026

Definition of barbed

Adjective

Avocado, tomatillos, a serrano pepper, and lime are mixed together in just five minutes to make a bright and acidic dip that's served best with your favorite tortilla chips.

— Jenna Sims, Southern Living, 1 July 2026
It’s absorbed without needing food or a highly acidic environment.

— Taylor Lane, Flow Space, 30 June 2026

Definition of acidic

Adjective

Scotto highlighted that Kinetik has purpose-built its system for sour gas handling, giving it an edge over new competitors that may face permitting delays of at least three years to build acid gas injection wells.

— TipRanks.com Staff, CNBC, 21 June 2026
On the other hand, a hydrangea species that can sometimes disappoint Chicago-area gardeners is the bigleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla), known for having big blue blooms when grown in acid soil and popular in the eastern United States.

— Beth Botts, Chicago Tribune, 20 June 2026

Definition of acid

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“Satiric.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/satiric. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of satiric

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