burlesque 1 of 2

noun

(ˌ)bər-ˈlesk How to pronounce burlesque (audio)
Definition of burlesquenext
as in parody
a work that imitates and exaggerates another work for comic effect it is interesting to note that the first novel ever written in English was followed by a burlesque of it

Synonyms & Similar Words

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burlesque

2 of 2

verb

as in to parody
to copy or exaggerate (someone or something) in order to make fun of burlesquing the teacher's nervous tic isn't very nice

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun burlesque differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of burlesque are caricature, parody, and travesty. While all these words mean "a comic or grotesque imitation," burlesque implies mockery especially through giving a serious or lofty subject a frivolous treatment.

a nightclub burlesque of a trial in court

In what contexts can caricature take the place of burlesque?

The words caricature and burlesque are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, caricature implies ludicrous exaggeration of the characteristic features of a subject.

caricatures of politicians in cartoons

When might parody be a better fit than burlesque?

The synonyms parody and burlesque are sometimes interchangeable, but parody applies especially to treatment of a trivial or ludicrous subject in the exactly imitated style of a well-known author or work.

a witty parody of a popular novel

When is it sensible to use travesty instead of burlesque?

The meanings of travesty and burlesque largely overlap; however, travesty implies that the subject remains unchanged but that the style is extravagant or absurd.

this production is a travesty of the opera

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 burlesque
Noun
The main performance is scheduled to include aerial acrobatics, bondage, burlesque and drag performers from groups such as The Dragonettes, AKArts Collective and others with hypnotic live looping and vocal music from Morgan Sorne. — Anne Schrager, San Francisco Chronicle, 11 Feb. 2026 Hell’s Half-acre, the bawdy section of town, was thriving, the Texas Brewery opened in 1891, and Byer’s Opera House had brought burlesque to Cowtown. — Richard Selcer, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 Nov. 2025
Verb
One burlesqued the Oscar broadcast’s impending move to YouTube, in 2029. — Richard Brody, New Yorker, 16 Mar. 2026 During that visit, Manson spoke about his friendship with French-Chilean artist Alejandro Jodorowsky, who lived in Mexico during the 1970s and 1980s and officiated Manson’s wedding to burlesque performer Dita Von Teese in Ireland in 2005. — Natalia Cano, Billboard, 11 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for burlesque
Recent Examples of Synonyms for burlesque
  1. parody
  2. mock
  3. spoof
  4. imitate
  5. satire
Noun
  • This magazine, established in 1955, publishes lighthearted parodies of academic literature, bogus scientific studies, and satirical commentary on absurd research.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 31 Aug. 2026
  • The order, which directs federal officials to formalize the name change within 30 days, quickly sparked backlash, jokes and parody proposals.
    — Gabe Hauari, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of parody
Verb
  • The viral video of Gibson appearing to mock the Fan Expo ASL interpreter sparked backlash against the actor as well as FanExpo for platforming the controversial star.
    — Zack Sharf, Variety, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Mel Gibson apologized Monday after video surfaced showing the actor mocking a sign language interpreter.
    — Tracy Wright, FOXNews.com, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of mock
Noun
  • There’s even a microdrama spoof series launching, from Abominable Pictures’ Stern, called My Billionaire Kidney.
    — Katie Kilkenny, HollywoodReporter, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Co-written by Marla Mindelle, Constantine Rousouli and director Tye Blue, the gloriously unhinged spoof has been packed with pop culture references, internet jokes and Easter eggs since its Off-Broadway debut in 2022.
    — Dave Quinn, PEOPLE, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of spoof
Verb
  • In any event, there’s difficult-to-imitate value in how Planet of the Apes begins as a simple adventure film and winds up touching upon issues of prejudice, social inequality, and nuclear annihilation.
    — Jesse Hassenger, Entertainment Weekly, 2 Sep. 2026
  • One year later, Clooney, 65, is back at the Venice Film Festival for a spin in the spotlight on the opening night for a bit of life imitating art.
    — Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of imitate
Noun
  • In 2025 Turner showed his eclectic tastes, appearing in the romantic drama Eternity, the war on terrorism satire Atropia, and the low-budget art-house mystery Rose of Nevada.
    — L. Sue Baugh, Encyclopedia Britannica, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Because object narrators tend to be things that circulate across layers of society, the it-narrative offered a ready platform for social satire.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of satire

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Cite this Entry

“Burlesque.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/burlesque. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on burlesque

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about burlesque

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