Discover published sets by community

Irony involves stating the opposite of what is meant. In satire, it's used to mock or convey contempt for an idea or situation.

Sarcasm is verbal irony that is sharp and bitter. Satirists use it to criticize with cutting remarks.

Hyperbole is extreme exaggeration. In satire, it's used to magnify absurdities or shortcomings of a subject.

Understatement intentionally makes a situation seem less important than it is. It's used in satire for subtle criticism or humorous effect.

Parody imitates the style of something to ridicule it. Satirical parody exposes the flaws in the original work or subject.

A satirical simile compares two unlike things to create a humorous or critical effect. It's a foundational tool in satire for drawing attention to the absurd.

Allusion is a reference to a well-known person, place, event, or work of art. Satire uses allusion to draw a meaningful comparison or to poke fun at the original subject.

A satirical metaphor draws a direct comparison to highlight ridiculousness or flaws in something. It's another common figure in satire, offering sharp criticism without directly stating it.

Litotes use understatement by negating the opposite, often for ironic effect. It's used in satire to subtly discredit or undermine something.

Caricature exaggerates certain features or characteristics to make a subject appear ridiculous. Satire uses caricature to point out the absurdity or folly in individuals or societal norms.

A euphemism is a mild or indirect term substituted for one considered too harsh. Satire uses euphemisms to mock politeness conventions or to downplay severity.

Antithesis places contrasting ideas close together for effect. In satire, it can be used to show the hypocrisy or incongruity of a subject.

An oxymoron is a figure of speech that combines contradictory terms. It can be used in satire to criticize illogical aspects of institutions, ideologies, or individuals.

A double entendre is a phrase that has two meanings, one being risqué or ironic. Satire uses double entendres to sneak in criticism or taboo topics under the cloak of ambiguity.

A pun is a play on words that exploits similar sounding words for a humorous or rhetorical effect. In satire, puns are used to make light of serious issues or to subtly critique.

An analogy draws a comparison between two different things to highlight some form of similarity. In satire, it's often used to expose the irrationality or laughable elements of a subject.

Syllepsis involves a word being used differently in relation to two other words it governs or modifies. In satire, this can be used for humorous effect or to underscore a point sharply.

Malapropism is the mistaken use of a word in place of a similar-sounding one. Satirists use malapropisms to create a comic effect and highlight ignorance or mistaken perceptions.

Juxtaposition is the fact of two things being placed close together with contrasting effect. Satire employs juxtaposition to emphasize differences, revealing hypocrisy or absurdity.