caricature 1 of 2

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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

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

Example 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
For kids, there will be a mobile video game truck, skills and drills stations, inflatables, balloon and caricature artist and a face painter. Kirk Kenney, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Apr. 2026 His flamboyance never tips into caricature, and along with wit and warmth there is real pain. The Week Uk, TheWeek, 16 Apr. 2026
Verb
These changes have been caricatured as authoritarian and corrupt. James Broughel, Forbes.com, 30 Jan. 2026 For years now, Europe has been caricatured as too divided to act, too lethargic to decide, too comfortable to think strategically. Fareed Zakaria, Washington Post, 15 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for caricature
Recent Examples of Synonyms for caricature
Noun
  • The musical — a rock-and-raunch, goth-and-gay parody of cheesy, mid-century horror/sci-fi flicks — was created by Richard O’Brien (book, music, lyrics and who performed as the snarling butler Riff Raff).
    Frank Rizzo, Variety, 24 Apr. 2026
  • The new plan does not change the Onion’s mission, which is to turn the site into a parody of itself and sell merchandise, sharing profits with Sandy Hook families.
    Theresa Braine, New York Daily News, 21 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Nearly 40 years after Spaceballs first hit theaters in 1987, Mel Brooks' Star Wars spoof is gearing up for another ride.
    Maddie Garfinkle, PEOPLE, 16 Apr. 2026
  • In the timely space spoof, the four Artemis 2 astronauts, portrayed by Colman Domingo, Mikey Day, Marcello Hernández, and Sarah Sherman offer an update on their moon mission at Day 9.
    Jeff Spry, Space.com, 14 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Williams, of course, worked at NBC for nearly three decades, including an 11-year run at NBC Nightly News that ended 2015 after exaggerations and falsehoods were found in some of his reporting, including reports from Iraq, and from New Orleans after it had been ravaged by Hurricane Katrina.
    Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 16 Apr. 2026
  • The novel reads, in retrospect, less like exaggeration than reportage from inside a culture already learning to treat life as publicity.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 15 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The two men embraced and spoke after Ross’ performance — a scene Hart mocked by implying Ross was kissing up to the GOAT.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 29 Apr. 2026
  • In the sketch, Sherman wore oversized fake teeth and mocked Wood’s Manchester accent in a line about removing fluoride from water and eating monkeys.
    Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 29 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • As the Ado Annie-like Betsy, a horny teen-ager whose father owns a shotgun, Kurtz is playing a character who should be, and kind of is, a one-joke punch line.
    Emily Nussbaum, New Yorker, 30 Apr. 2026
  • Complaints about hospital food are certainly not new, and Jell-O and fruit juice are often the butt of related jokes.
    Stephanie Armour, CBS News, 30 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • How, then, would a satire keep up, especially given the glacial pace of publishing?
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 1 May 2026
  • While discussing the delicate tone of the show and its balance of being a satire on the Hollywood movie business and a love letter to chasing your dream, Cretton said the creative team focused on character to find their way.
    Borys Kit, HollywoodReporter, 30 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • High schoolers were given the opportunity to pre-register to vote, while younger students filled out coloring sheets on civil rights history.
    Kate Armanini, Chicago Tribune, 1 May 2026
  • Henley's eyes were light blue, vivid and startling against the rest of her coloring.
    Carly Tagen-Dye, PEOPLE, 1 May 2026
Verb
  • Another potential treatment route the study opens up is using machines to massage cancer cells, imitating the rhythmic beating of the heart.
    Anil Oza, STAT, 23 Apr. 2026
  • While using Rallee, students might jump in place to help their avatar clear an obstacle or imitate their avatar by stretching their arms wide while taking a deep breath.
    Mary Jean Tecce DeCarlo, The Conversation, 23 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Caricature.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/caricature. Accessed 4 May. 2026.

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