satirist

American  

[sat-er-ist] / ˈsæt ər ɪst /

noun

1. a writer of satires.

2. one who indulges in satire.

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satirist British  

/ ˈsætərɪst /

noun

1. a person who writes satire

2. a person given to the use of satire

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Other Word Forms

• self-satirist
  noun

Etymology

Origin of satirist

First recorded in 1580–90; satire + -ist

Explanation

A satirist is a writer or artist who uses biting humor and exaggerated language to make fun of someone. Political satirists often target candidates with cartoons that highlight their flaws. A skilled satirist can use something that seems silly or ridiculous at first glance to make a serious point. The work a satirist does, called satire, is all about using humor to show that public figures are weak or corrupt — and also to expose bigger societal issues. Today, a satirist might focus on a politician's refusal to acknowledge the reality of climate change, exposing both their dishonesty and the significance of the issue.

Example Sentences

Gladiatorial combat in the arena was, in the satirist Juvenal’s phrase, “bread and circuses” for the Roman masses.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

Because these portrayals are so acute and unsparing, Jhabvala is sometimes described as a satirist.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 4, 2025

American musician and satirist Tom Lehrer has died at the age of 97, according to US media reports.

From BBC • Jul. 27, 2025

“He’s worked as a satirist; he’s written parodies, political thrillers; he’s moved from a fairly earnest modern style to a very lucid, clear style.”

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 13, 2025

Now, he was a satirist, so he left it that way, and my father was, I guess I realized too late, a romantic, so he ended it another way.

From "The Princess Bride" by William Goldman

Related Words

• detractor
• doubter
• pessimist
• skeptic