satirize

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "satirize" is correct and well written in English.
It is used when you want to criticize or mock something, often in a humorous way, typically in literature, art, or performance. Example: "The comedian's latest skit satirizes the absurdity of modern politics." Alternatives include "mock," "ridicule," or "lampoon."

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

The odd result is that the English satire comes from the Latin satura; but satirize, satiric, etc., are of Greek origin.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It would have been easy to satirize the fact of a satirical magazine's being as self-celebratory as some of its subjects, but Private Eye had inoculated itself.

The New Yorker

The poets threatened to satirize her.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Both satirize contemporary philistines and intellectual mountebanks.

Encyclopedia Britannica

However, it is a genre that had been long in the making, evolving over hundreds of years as philosophers, scientists, and novelists strove to satirize current trends and institutions in their cultures.

Britannica

Punch was quick to satirize them in a series of "Punch's Cartoons".

Encyclopedia Britannica

Practitioner of a wide range of forms including the medieval fixed forms of the ballade and the rondeau, chansons, blasons (poems employing descriptive details to praise or to satirize), and elegies Marot preferred the epistle for its freedom of style and the epigram for its vivacity.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

Pisemsky was further estranged from his colleagues and public by a novel satirizing the radical younger generation, Vzbalamuchennoye more (1863; "The Stormy Sea").

Encyclopedia Britannica

This work sharply satirizes life in an imaginary America that is also Germany.

Encyclopedia Britannica

By 1762 Goldsmith had established himself as an essayist with his Citizen of the World, in which he used the device of satirizing Western society through the eyes of an Oriental visitor to London.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The long-winded medieval romance is satirized in Geoffrey Chaucer's 14th-century "Tale of Sir Thopas"; the Charlemagne story and the whole theme of chivalry is mocked in the epic-style Morgante by Luigi Pulci.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "satirize", ensure your audience understands the subject being mocked. Effective satire relies on shared knowledge for its humor and critique to resonate.

Common error

Avoid using "satirize" when your audience is unfamiliar with the subject. Satire that misses its mark can be confusing or offensive rather than humorous or insightful.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "satirize" is as a transitive verb. It describes the action of making something the object of satire. Ludwig's examples demonstrate how writers and artists use "satirize" to critique various aspects of society.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Encyclopedias

55%

News & Media

40%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "satirize" is a grammatically sound verb that means to mock or ridicule something, often with humorous intent. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage. It appears most frequently in encyclopedic and news media sources, indicating a presence in both descriptive and analytical writing. When using "satirize", be mindful of your audience's familiarity with the target of your satire to ensure your message is both understood and impactful. Alternative words to "satirize" include "mock", "ridicule", and "lampoon", each with slightly different nuances. Though not exceedingly frequent, "satirize" remains a valuable tool for critical commentary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

satirise

A British English spelling variation of "satirize".

lampoon

This term is often used in a literary context to describe a work that uses ridicule to attack a person or institution.

mock

A more general term for making fun of someone or something, often in a disrespectful way.

ridicule

Emphasizes the intent to cause laughter or scorn through mockery.

parody

Involves imitating the style of someone or something in order to make it seem ridiculous.

make fun of

A colloquial expression for "satirize", indicating the act of teasing or mocking someone or something playfully or cruelly

caricature

Exaggerates certain characteristics to create a comic or grotesque effect.

poke fun at

A more lighthearted way of saying "satirize", suggesting a gentle and playful mocking.

travesty

Implies a debased or distorted representation of something serious.

burlesque

A form of comedy characterized by ridiculous exaggeration and distortion.

FAQs

How to use "satirize" in a sentence?

Use "satirize" to describe the act of using humor, irony, exaggeration, or ridicule to expose and criticize people's stupidity or vices. For example, "The comedian used his stand-up routine to satirize political corruption."

What can I say instead of "satirize"?

You can use alternatives like "mock", "ridicule", or "lampoon" depending on the context.

What is the difference between "satirize" and "parody"?

"Satirize" involves using humor to criticize, while "parody" imitates a particular style for comedic effect. Satire aims to critique, while parody primarily aims to entertain through imitation.

Is it okay to use "satirize" in formal writing?

Yes, "satirize" is appropriate for formal writing when used to describe the act of using satire. However, ensure the tone and content align with the overall formality of the piece.