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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 Yoo is a perfect vehicle for this satire, as his ultimate act of violence is driven not by necessity but rather a pathological need to maintain an image of success. —Robert Lang, Deadline, 6 Jan. 2026 This new satire is a sequel to his first collection, and 34 years in the making. —Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 6 Jan. 2026 The movie’s dark satire of revolutionary politics and personal compromise arrives as Venezuela remains mired in low growth, fragile institutions, and an ongoing exodus that has reshaped labor markets across the Americas. —Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 5 Jan. 2026 The film blends satire, excess and immigrant ambition into something that feels both absurd and uncomfortably familiar. —Ana Gutierrez, Austin American Statesman, 5 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for satire
Recent Examples of Synonyms for satire
  1. parody
  2. spoof
  3. comedy
Noun
  • The three-year Off-Broadway hit is a parody of the classic film Titanic, imagining the story as if Celine Dion were narrating it.
    — Lexi Carson, HollywoodReporter, 8 Jan. 2026
  • Maduro played the song at so many events that Chavistas (or Maduro supporters) began to claim it as pro-Maduro, even though Santana made it as a parody of the president.
    — Tomás Mier, Rolling Stone, 6 Jan. 2026
Definition of parody
Noun
  • The father-son duo recently filmed Spaceballs 2, the follow-up to the 1987 Star Wars spoof from comedy legend Mel Brooks and starring Bill.
    — Eric Andersson, PEOPLE, 6 Jan. 2026
  • Trcka expanded her career into films and television beginning with the horror spoof Scary Movie, which hit theaters in 2000.
    — Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 5 Jan. 2026
Definition of spoof
Noun
  • Rudd's latest project, the comedy Anaconda, which costars Jack Black, is now in theaters.
    — Raechal Shewfelt, Entertainment Weekly, 13 Jan. 2026
  • Jade Catta-Preta Jade Catta-Preta pivoted from a career in theater to a career in comedy.
    — Angela Andaloro, PEOPLE, 13 Jan. 2026
Definition of comedy

Browse Nearby Words

satiny
satire
satires
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Satire.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/satire. Accessed 20 Jan. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on satire

Nglish: Translation of satire for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about satire

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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