1
as in parody
a poor, insincere, or insulting imitation of something
rigged from the start, his trial was a travesty of justice
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2
as in spoof
a work that imitates and exaggerates another work for comic effect
the big-screen version of the classic sitcom is actually a good-natured travesty of the TV series
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as in to parody
to copy or exaggerate (someone or something) in order to make fun of
this comedy sketch mindlessly travesties the hard work of relief workers around the world
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Recent Examples of travesty
New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 15 Jan. 2024
What has taken place here was a travesty of justice.
—Marc Griffin, VIBE.com, 6 Aug. 2024
The New Republic, 22 June 2023
Readers may be tempted to side at one moment with the defenders of Jewish caution and Jewish sentiment, however their instincts are travestied, and soon afterward with Zuckerman’s principled view of the autonomy of art.
—Cynthia Ozick, WSJ, 25 May 2018
See all Example Sentences for travesty 
Noun
But the real slow-motion travesty and tragedy is in the GOP, where, though former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley is getting some traction, former President Donald Trump looks set to coast to the nomination.
—Verb
In 1933, the Marx Brothers mocked dictatorship with Duck Soup; three decades later, Kubrick and writer Terry Southern travestied the Bomb.
—Recent Examples of Synonyms for travesty
Noun
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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
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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
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Reason for Ranking: A Hunger Games spoof with Lisa as Katniss?Joshua Kurp, Vulture, 4 Nov. 2024
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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
Verb
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Previously, he was mocked for showcasing what appeared to be a truly terrible Elden Ring build (see above).Paul Tassi, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
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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
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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
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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
Verb
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There's also a more foot-like Sole, for better imitating a human walking gait.Ben Coxworth, New Atlas, 17 Oct. 2024
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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
Noun
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The Kaine sketch came on the same episode that opened with a surprise cameo by Harris, who appeared opposite Maya Rudolph's caricature of her to give herself advice.Brendan Morrow, USA TODAY, 3 Nov. 2024
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The Dog Day Afternoon–esque topical thriller makes every point loudly, and Clooney never brings much depth or surprise to this caricature.Will Leitch, Vulture, 29 Sep. 2024
Verb
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Shout out to our friends at TMZ who did the most insightful original reporting.Frederick Dreier, Outside Online, 18 Nov. 2024
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Local health officials are working to reach everyone who may have had contact with the infected individual, and they are expected to do so in this case, said Preston Merchant, a spokesman for the San Mateo County health department.Jakob Rodgers, The Mercury News, 17 Nov. 2024
Noun
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Vought said that independent agencies and unelected bureaucrats and experts wield far too much power while the traditional legislative process is a sham.Molly Redden, ProPublica, 28 Oct. 2024
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The set also comes in a matching duvet cover and shams.Terri Williams, Forbes, 30 Sep. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near travesty
Cite this Entry
“Travesty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/travesty. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.
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