Word
satirical
Phoneticssatir·i·cal
US/səˈtɪɹəkəɫ/
UK/sɐtˈɪɹɪkəl/
Definition
adj. using humor, irony, or exaggeration to show that someone or something is foolish or bad. You often see this in books or shows that make fun of politicians or society.
adj. utilising irony, sarcasm, or ridicule to expose and criticise human vice or folly. Often used to describe literary or artistic works that mock social institutions or public figures.
Examples
“The show is a satirical look at modern politics.”
“The magazine is famous for its satirical cartoons that mock the greed of corporate executives.”
“Swift's essay remains a masterpiece of satirical writing, using a cold, logical tone to highlight the absurdity and cruelty of contemporary social policies.”
Examples
simple
“The show is a satirical look at modern politics.”
contextual
“The magazine is famous for its satirical cartoons that mock the greed of corporate executives.”
complex
“Swift's essay remains a masterpiece of satirical writing, using a cold, logical tone to highlight the absurdity and cruelty of contemporary social policies.”
Usage
Typically used attributively before a noun to describe creative works, such as 'satirical novel' or 'satirical sketch'.
Pitfall
a satiric movie
a satirical movie
While 'satiric' is a valid variant, 'satirical' is the much more common form used by native speakers to describe creative works.
Real-World Examples
“Led by the satirical Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), the movement spread through memes, livestreams and Instagram reels before evolving into a force strong enough to make a federal minister resign.” “It was this comment that led to the birth of Cockroach Janta Party, an online satirical movement, which saw millions of students and young people sign up.” Etymology
From satire + -ical.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/satirical