satirical
Lampooning human folly
Satirical describes something that uses irony, exaggeration, or ridicule to expose and criticize foolishness or vice—typically in politics, society, or human behavior.
A satirical article mocks its subject while making a serious point.
Satirical news programs like *The Daily Show* blend comedy with commentary.
The word often appears with entertainment that looks like straight reporting but isn't: I thought it was real, but it turned out to be satirical.
Harsh public mockery
- spoofComic exaggerated imitation
- caricatureExaggerated comic depiction
- send-upMocking imitation of something
- burlesqueExaggerated mockery or risqué variety
pastiche · travesty · takeoff · mockumentary · impersonation · mimicry · sketch · skit
Grimly mocking
- wryDryly mocking in tone
- tongue-in-cheekHumorously not meant literally
- dryFree from moisture
- drollOddly humorous
mocking · acerbic · caustic · biting · trenchant · deadpan · understated · irony
Contemptuous mocking treatment
- derisionContemptuous mockery
- mockeryScornful ridicule or travesty
- contemptDisdainful disregard
- disdainScornful disregard
sneering · jeering · scoffing · pillorying · excoriation · denunciation · takedown · evisceration
lampoon
Harsh public mockery
- spoofComic exaggerated imitation
- caricatureExaggerated comic depiction
- send-upMocking imitation of something
burlesque · pastiche · travesty · takeoff · mockumentary · impersonation · mimicry · sketch · skit · roast
sardonic
Grimly mocking
- wryDryly mocking in tone
- tongue-in-cheekHumorously not meant literally
- dryFree from moisture
droll · mocking · acerbic · caustic · biting · trenchant · deadpan · understated · irony · sarcasm
ridicule
Contemptuous mocking treatment
disdain · sneering · jeering · scoffing · pillorying · excoriation · denunciation · takedown · evisceration · withering
commentary
Explanatory remarks on events
- critiqueDetailed evaluative analysis
- editorialPublication's official viewpoint article
- cartoonAnimated or humorous illustration
cartoonist · allegory · dystopia · agitprop · subversion · dissent · exposé · polemic · broadside · pamphlet
clever
Showing mental quickness
quip · jest · wordplay · punning · drollery · raillery · bon mot · epigram · wisecrack · zingers
- literary stylespastoral, lyrical prose, poetic prose, lyrical, epistolary
- Performance Stylesmethod acting, classical acting, comedic acting, physical theater, screen acting
- funnyfunny, comical, hilarious, humorous, amusing
- genre adjectivescomic, tragic, dramatic, epic, gothic
- media descriptorsdramatic, thrilling, suspenseful, emotional, atmospheric
- writing stylesformal, informal, minimalism, maximalism, concise
satiricalsincere
Genuinely felt, not feigned
earnest · genuine · heartfelt · unironic · straightforward
satiricallaudatory
Expressing strong approval
celebratory · reverential · admiring · eulogistic · sympathetic
satiricalliteral
Meaning exactly what's said
straightforward · blunt · plain · matter-of-fact · prosaic
- satirical cartoonsHumorous art criticizing society
- satirical comedyHumor exposing folly
- satirical novelFiction mocking through irony
- satirical writingMockery through exaggeration
- satirical artCreative mockery through imagery
- satirical essayProse mocking through humor