What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
caricature
Example
The artist created a caricature of the politician, emphasizing his large nose and bushy eyebrows. [caricature: noun]
Example
She enjoys drawing caricatures of her friends, capturing their unique features in a humorous way. [caricatures: plural noun]
cartoon
Example
The newspaper publishes a cartoon every day, bringing humor and social commentary to its readers. [cartoon: noun]
Example
My favorite cartoon character is Mickey Mouse. [cartoon: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Cartoon is more commonly used than caricature in everyday language. Cartoon is a versatile term that encompasses various forms of entertainment, including animated films, television shows, and comic strips. Caricature, on the other hand, is more specific to the visual arts field and is often associated with satirical or humorous portrayals of individuals or subjects.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between caricature and cartoon?
Both caricature and cartoon can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, caricature is more commonly associated with a formal or artistic tone, while cartoon is generally more casual and widely used in everyday conversations.