Thesaurus results for SATIRE

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

satire

noun

ˈsa-ˌtī(-ə)r

Definition of satire

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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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 With his acting/producing/comedy brothers Keenen Ivory, Shawn and Marlon, Damon Wayans has made a considerable impact on the nature of American comedy and especially satire. — Randy McMullen, Mercury News, 27 Aug. 2026 Framed as an ensemble drama rather than the story of a single heroic whistleblower, the production compresses Ibsen’s plot, reimagines the ending and leans into satire without sacrificing moral bite. — Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 26 Aug. 2026 The 8-episode series blends workplace comedy with satire, cutaways and fourth-wall breaks. — Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 25 Aug. 2026 With its möbius-strip-esque structure, this surreal social class satire about grief, urban alienation and gentrification in the city of Lagos explores the lost hope of the Nigerian dream. — Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 15 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for satire

Recent Examples of Synonyms for 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

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

Noun

Screwball comedies, dark horror flicks and so much more await in this weekend’s edition of your friendly neighborhood streaming guide.

— Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
The comedian and actor spoke candidly about his health scare in a 2024 Netflix comedy special, What Had Happened Was.

— Raechal Shewfelt, Entertainment Weekly, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of comedy

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

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Synonyms of satire

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