caricature 1 of 2

1
as in parody
a poor, insincere, or insulting imitation of something that TV network's reporting is a mere caricature of real journalism

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2
as in spoof
a work that imitates and exaggerates another work for comic effect the artist creates caricatures of famous paintings by replacing humans with cats

Synonyms & Similar Words

3

caricature

2 of 2

verb

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun caricature differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of caricature are burlesque, parody, and travesty. While all these words mean "a comic or grotesque imitation," caricature implies ludicrous exaggeration of the characteristic features of a subject.

caricatures of politicians in cartoons

When might burlesque be a better fit than caricature?

The meanings of burlesque and caricature largely overlap; however, burlesque implies mockery especially through giving a serious or lofty subject a frivolous treatment.

a nightclub burlesque of a trial in court

In what contexts can parody take the place of caricature?

The synonyms parody and caricature are sometimes interchangeable, but parody applies especially to treatment of a trivial or ludicrous subject in the exactly imitated style of a well-known author or work.

a witty parody of a popular novel

When is travesty a more appropriate choice than caricature?

The words travesty and caricature are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, travesty implies that the subject remains unchanged but that the style is extravagant or absurd.

this production is a travesty of the opera

Examples Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of caricature
Noun
Watch as the camera follows him one night, toward a storefront window display larded with grotesque African caricatures. Justin Chang, The New Yorker, 25 Oct. 2024 Neither of these caricatures adequately captures the reality of this massive, complex economy. Drew Bernstein, Forbes, 22 Oct. 2024
Verb
In storylines caricatured from real life, Shannen was the free-spirited, post-fame holdout, and the one whose paycheck was the envy of her castmates. Judy Berman, TIME, 14 July 2024 Le Diplomate has become D.C.’s most recognizable French restaurant, and its all-day party, which begins at 10 a.m., includes mimes, accordion players, face painters, caricature artists and balloon twisters. Chris Kelly, Washington Post, 11 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for caricature 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for caricature
Noun
  • Jacob believed that the capitalization of common nouns was an inorganic import and did away with it, a choice that inspired parodies in the German press.
    Jennifer Wilson, The New Yorker, 4 Nov. 2024
  • Saturday Night Live recap: Host John Mulaney makes grand return with Chappell Roan and surprise guests To start, Kenan Thompson and Ego Nwodim sing a Lion King parody revealing that the carton is filled with possum milk.
    Shania Russell, EW.com, 3 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • Reason for Ranking: A Hunger Games spoof with Lisa as Katniss?
    Joshua Kurp, Vulture, 4 Nov. 2024
  • The spoof video that is played on screens at Trump’s rallies alternates between scenes of intense military training, sometimes with drill sergeants yelling at troops, and scenes depicting what are meant to portray LGBTQ members of the military, each displaying exaggerated feminine affects.
    Bill Barrow, Los Angeles Times, 1 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • But once up on stage, her reasonable-sounding language was replaced by the consistent mispronunciation of Kamala Harris's first name and exaggerations of the scale of recent Stellantis (formerly Chrysler) layoffs at their factory in nearby Warren, Michigan.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024
  • On the day of what is without exaggeration being called the most consequential election of our time, ignoring political news in favor of watching an antique cheese slicer being restored may seem frivolous.
    Robert Lloyd, Los Angeles Times, 5 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • Jimmy Kimmel used his final show before the election to make an impassioned plea to get rid of Donald Trump, while others mocked the Republican candidate’s recent meltdown over a microphone during one his rallies.
    Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 5 Nov. 2024
  • Russia has sent two prototypes of its latest fighter jet in service, the stealth Su-57, to China for an airshow, where they were reportedly mocked for their poor workmanship and conditions.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • While recalling the series of events leading up to the reveal, Brynn claimed that Erin had looped her in on the joke.
    Esther Kang, People.com, 20 Nov. 2024
  • But for my money–and that’s a joke–the best show on the radio might be Marketplace.
    Outside Online, Outside Online, 13 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • Beloved satire website the Onion bought Alex Jones’s misinformation hub in a bankruptcy auction, the New York Times reports.
    Justin Curto, Vulture, 14 Nov. 2024
  • But Grande does have experience on both the stage and screen, having appeared on Broadway's 13: The Musical and starring on Nickelodeon sitcoms Victorious and Sam & Cat, as well as Adam McKay's sci-fi political satire Don't Look Up.
    Jessica Wang, EW.com, 4 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • The act of coloring pulls your mind away from negative thoughts and into the present moment, says McKleroy.
    Noma Nazish, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024
  • Despite its name, the recreational drug may not contain cocaine at all and gets its color from food coloring.
    Minyvonne Burke, NBC News, 23 Oct. 2024
Verb
  • There's also a more foot-like Sole, for better imitating a human walking gait.
    Ben Coxworth, New Atlas, 17 Oct. 2024
  • Governed by Neptune, the planet of fantasy and film, Pisces is naturally drawn to iconic characters and cinematic flair, and Nyong’o’s choice proves that life really does imitate art.
    Valerie Mesa, People.com, 28 Oct. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near caricature

Cite this Entry

“Caricature.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/caricature. Accessed 29 Nov. 2024.

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