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DictionarysatiricRidiculing faults
adjective

satiric

suh-TIR-ik/sʌtˈɪrɪk/

Using ridicule or irony to expose faults or foolishness.

The executive's neglected work makes his efficiency trophy a satiric comment on empty claims.

Executive proudly polishes oversized clock-shaped efficiency trophy while neglected paperwork towers beside his idle hands; comic contradiction criticizes empty claims of efficiency.
Etymology
satirLatinmixed dish; poetic medley
+icLatinpertaining to

Satura pictured a mixed dish before naming a varied collection of poems. Its literary meaning narrowed to poems attacking vices, giving satiric its connection with criticism through ridicule.

In context

Daniel Feldman0:19
gulliver's travels swift's magnum opus as well as a modest proposal both satiric works
Satiric Worlds of Gulliver's Travels and A Modest Proposal by Jonathan Swift

More examples

  • The play takes a satiric look at corporate greed.
  • His satiric poem mocks people who mistake wealth for wisdom.
  • The novel's satiric humor reveals the foolishness behind fashionable manners.

Forms

satiric

satire noun — Writing that ridicules human faults or foolishness.

satirize verb — To expose faults through ridicule or irony.

Similar words

satirical
Has the same meaning and is more commonly used.
ironic
Highlights contrasts between expectations and reality, without necessarily criticizing.
mocking
Ridicules someone or something without necessarily exposing deeper faults.