noun Uncommon

satire

SA-teye-uh

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Satire (noun) means a form of writing, art, or performance that uses humor, irony, or exaggeration to criticize people, institutions, or society. Example: “The show is a satire of modern political life.”

noun

A form of writing, art, or performance that uses humor, irony, or exaggeration to criticize people, institutions, or society.

"The show is a satire of modern political life."

"His novel is a sharp satire on corporate greed."

"The comedian's sketch was a clever satire of how people behave on social media."

How to use satire

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishUsing humor or exaggeration to mock and criticize something, usually to make a point.

Common mistake

Satire pokes fun to criticize; parody imitates a specific work mainly for comic effect — the two overlap but aren't identical.

Easily confused with

parody → satyr → sarcasm →

Common pairings

political satire a work of satire satire on

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

Plural: satires

Test yourself on “satire” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The show is a _____ of modern political life.

Etymology

From Latin satira, originally referring to a mixed, varied composition; the spelling later shifted under the mistaken belief it was connected to the Greek "satyr," though the two words are historically unrelated.

Origin: Latin

Synonyms

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parody lampoon spoof caricature irony sarcasm

Related words

charge joke describe Andy cartoon cod irony mock

Rhymes for satire

ire fire wire tire lire dire hire mire sire afire Zaire spire

See all rhymes for satire →

Frequently asked questions

What does “satire” mean?

The word “satire” means a form of writing, art, or performance that uses humor, irony, or exaggeration to criticize people, institutions, or society. In plain terms, using humor or exaggeration to mock and criticize something, usually to make a point.

How do you pronounce “satire”?

“Satire” is pronounced SA-teye-uh (/ˈsætaɪɹ/ in IPA).

How do you use “satire” in a sentence?

Here is “satire” used in a sentence: “The show is a satire of modern political life.”

What part of speech is “satire”?

“Satire” is a noun.

Where does the word “satire” come from?

The word “satire” comes from Latin. From Latin satira, originally referring to a mixed, varied composition; the spelling later shifted under the mistaken belief it was connected to the Greek "satyr," though the two words are historically unrelated.

Is “satire” a common word?

“Satire” is an uncommon word in modern English.

What is the difference between satire and parody?

Satire is a broad form of writing, art, or performance that uses humor, irony, or exaggeration to criticize people, institutions, or society, while parody specifically imitates the style of a particular work, genre, or person for comic or critical effect. Parody can be a technique used within satire, but satire's goal is social or political critique rather than imitation alone.

What is the difference between satire and sarcasm?

Satire is typically a longer, crafted piece of writing, art, or performance aimed at criticizing society or institutions through humor and irony, while sarcasm is a sharp, mocking remark made in speech or writing, usually aimed at an individual in the moment. Satire is a genre; sarcasm is a rhetorical device.

What techniques does satire commonly use?

Satire commonly relies on humor, irony, and exaggeration to expose flaws in people, institutions, or society. These techniques let the satirist criticize a target indirectly, often making the critique more memorable or pointed than a straightforward statement would be.

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