Thesaurus results for BURLESQUE

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

burlesque 1 of 2

noun

(ˌ)bər-ˈlesk

Definition of burlesque

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

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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

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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

Broadway is a pricey place for this kind of burlesque, but the need for comic relief these days is palpable. — Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 1 May 2026 Our team was honored to play host to weddings, retirement parties, wakes, drag & burlesque shows, birthday parties, jazz nights, baby showers, corporate events, nonprofit fundraisers, and so much more. — Mike Darnay, CBS News, 12 Feb. 2026

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

Noun

The Black performer remains the template of the parody, a canvas to characterize and deform in whatever way the meme-maker sees fit.

— Brady Brickner-Wood, New Yorker, 19 Oct. 2026
Did that feel like a parody of my ego, or also a way to make fun of it?

— Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of parody

Verb

Critics mocked Zacharia’s performance during her first and last press conference on Tuesday, and ripped her for describing herself as an attorney, despite having never passed the bar exam.

— Emily Hallas, The Washington Examiner, 16 Oct. 2026
The Difference Between Names And Dynamics Richard Feynman recalled being mocked by another child for not knowing a bird’s name.

— Pravir Malik, Forbes.com, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of mock

Noun

Was there ever a thought that maybe the whole movie should just be a ’90s spoof?

— Mike Ryan, IndieWire, 16 Oct. 2026
Blanchett cofounded the nonprofit Human Consent Foundation to help people register how AI models can — or cannot — scrape their likenesses in an effort to combat such spoofs.

— Corbin Bolies, Variety, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of spoof

Noun

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
Previous Disney Germany shows nclude Call my Agent Berlin, Jörg Winger’s Sam – A Saxon and The Interpreter of Silence, while upcoming is Austrian satire Vienna Game, thriller Nele Neuhaus Monster and Swiss production Under the Ice.

— Max Goldbart, Deadline, 12 Oct. 2026

Definition of satire

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“Burlesque.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/burlesque. Accessed 21 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of burlesque

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Synonyms of burlesque

noun

verb

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This History of 'Up to Snuff' is Up to...

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on burlesque

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Word of the Day

jilt

Popular in Grammar & Usage

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

'Can' vs. 'May'

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Popular in Wordplay

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Did 'orange' the fruit or the color come first?

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Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

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