satirical

[ suh-tir-i-kuhl ]

adjective

1. of, pertaining to, containing, or characterized by satire:

   satirical novels.

   Synonyms: acid, biting, mordant, cutting, ironical, sardonic

2. indulging in or given to satire:

   a satirical poet.

satirical

/ səˈtɪrɪkəl /

adjective

1. of, relating to, or containing satire
2. given to the use of satire

Derived Forms

• saˈtirically, adverb
• saˈtiricalness, noun

Other Words From

• sa·tir·i·cal·ly adverb
• sa·tir·i·cal·ness noun
• non·sa·tir·ic adjective
• non·sa·tir·i·cal adjective
• non·sa·tir·i·cal·ly adverb
• non·sa·tir·i·cal·ness noun
• pseu·do·sa·tir·i·cal adjective
• pseu·do·sa·tir·i·cal·ly adverb
• qua·si-sa·tir·i·cal adjective
• qua·si-sa·tir·i·cal·ly adverb
• sem·i·sa·tir·ic adjective
• sem·i·sa·tir·i·cal adjective
• sem·i·sa·tir·i·cal·ly adverb
• sub·sa·tir·ic adjective
• sub·sa·tir·i·cal adjective
• sub·sa·tir·i·cal·ly adverb
• sub·sa·tir·i·cal·ness noun
• un·sa·tir·ic adjective
• un·sa·tir·i·cal adjective
• un·sa·tir·i·cal·ly adverb
• un·sa·tir·i·cal·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of satirical¹

First recorded in 1520–30; from Late Latin satiric(us) (from satir(a) satire + -icus -ic ) + -al ¹

Synonym Study

See cynical.

Example Sentences

“What I want to say to Mr. Wolf, if he reads this, is that his creative product has entertained me for hundreds of hours, And that comes through in a satirical nature.”

From Los Angeles Times

In reality, three cartoons published by a French satirical magazine had been discussed in class, and Paty had said anyone who felt they might be offended did not have to stay.

From BBC

But he found his voice, and these posters became more satirical.

From Los Angeles Times

Something that wasn’t ironic, it wasn’t satirical, it wasn’t a parody of something.

From Los Angeles Times

Using satirical posters, T-shirts, beer coasters and other paraphernalia showing the King, Queen and Prince of Wales, ARM's campaign is urging Australians "young and old" to "wave goodbye to royal reign".

From BBC

Related Words

• biting
• caustic
• incisive
• mordant
• sarcastic
• sardonic
• satiric