What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
farce
Example
The play was a farce, with characters running around in silly costumes. [farce: noun]
Example
The politician's speech was a complete farce, full of empty promises and ridiculous claims. [farce: adjective]
satire
Example
The show used satire to criticize political corruption and hypocrisy. [satire: noun]
Example
The cartoonist's satirical depiction of the president caused controversy. [satirical: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Satire is more commonly used than farce in academic and literary contexts. Farce is less common and is often associated with light entertainment and popular culture.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between farce and satire?
Satire is generally considered more formal than farce, as it is often used in academic and literary contexts to critique societal issues and institutions.