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, highlighting his large nose and prominent chin. [caricature: noun]
Example
She loves to caricature her friends by imitating their voices and gestures. [caricature: verb]
lampoon
Example
The comedian performed a hilarious lampoon of the president's speech, imitating his gestures and exaggerating his words. [lampoon: noun]
Example
The satirical magazine often lampoons celebrities and politicians, exposing their ridiculous actions. [lampoon: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Caricature is more commonly used than lampoon in everyday language. Caricature is often seen in newspapers, magazines, and art galleries, while lampoon is more frequently found in written or spoken satire, such as comedy shows, satirical publications, or political commentary.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between caricature and lampoon?
Both caricature and lampoon are generally considered informal and casual in tone. However, caricature may be more commonly used in formal contexts, such as art critiques or discussions, while lampoon is often associated with more informal or humorous settings, such as comedy clubs or satirical websites.