adjective
-
of, relating to, or containing satire
-
given to the use of satire
Synonym Usage
See cynical.
Other Word Forms
-
nonsatiricalnessnoun
-
satiricalnessnoun
-
subsatiricalnessnoun
-
unsatiricalnessnoun
-
nonsatiricadjective
-
nonsatiricaladjective
-
pseudosatiricaladjective
-
quasi-satiricaladjective
-
semisatiricadjective
-
semisatiricaladjective
-
subsatiricadjective
-
subsatiricaladjective
-
unsatiricadjective
-
unsatiricaladjective
-
nonsatiricallyadverb
-
pseudosatiricallyadverb
-
quasi-satiricallyadverb
-
satiricallyadverb
-
semisatiricallyadverb
-
subsatiricallyadverb
-
unsatiricallyadverb
Etymology
Origin of satirical
First recorded in 1520–30; from Late Latin satiric(us) (from satir(a) satire + -icus -ic ) + -al 1
Explanation
If you know the movie you are about to see is satirical, you expect it to make fun some aspect of human nature or even our society, like a satirical take on the glamorous world of fashion that portrays all the designers as celebrity-obsessed and unconcerned with true artistry. Satirical is an adjective that describes satire, a work that is intended to ridicule the shortcomings and antics of a person or group. So, something that is satirical often looks like the real thing in order to make fun of it. For example, a sketch on a comedy show in which a comedian sits behind a news anchor desk and uses a serious tone to "report" on absurd events that really happened takes a satirical approach to both the events and the concept of broadcast journalism.
Vocabulary lists containing satirical
100 SAT words Beginning with "S"
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
This Week in Pop Culture: August 10–16, 2019
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
ACT Reading Test: Words to Capture Tone, List 6
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Dipke went online in May to air his frustrations, making a satirical post on X that said: "What if all cockroaches come together?"
From Barron's • Jul. 8, 2026
But their satirical stances often give more serious messages a moment of attention - and can even influence future laws.
From BBC • Jun. 19, 2026
Tom Hanks hosts a revelatory documentary series on World War II; Leo Woodall and Dustin Hoffman lead a taut thriller; a comedy has satirical fun with FIFA; and much, much more.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 1, 2026
Jason is the author of “Your Money and Your Brain,” on the neuroscience of investing, and "The Devil's Financial Dictionary," a satirical glossary of business jargon.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 29, 2026
Alexander was about to explain that Aristophanes was the famous Greek dramatist who wrote satirical plays about the Peloponnesian War, but Penelope spoke first.
From "The Hidden Gallery" by Maryrose Wood
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
