farce

noun

ˈfärs How to pronounce farce (audio)
Definition of farcenext
1
as in parody
a poor, insincere, or insulting imitation of something the recall of a duly elected official for a frivolous reason is not democracy in action but a farce

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in comedy
humorous entertainment the rubber-faced, loose-jointed comedian is a master of knockabout farce

Synonyms & Similar Words

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of farce Mayday goes on too long and veers into nonsensical directions, with one episode depicting the pair breaking into a Soviet official’s home that descends into bedroom farce. — Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 2 Sep. 2026 Part comedy, part drama, generously part entertainment industry farce, the series proved to be such a smash in its native country that Netflix bought the show in 2015, eventually helping shepherd it to four seasons. — Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 24 Aug. 2026 The reality of the crime, as Berlinger came to see it, is morbid farce. — Elisabeth Garber-Paul, Rolling Stone, 16 Aug. 2026 Not comedy, not tragedy, more like farce, but farce with consequences. — Emily Eakin, Harpers Magazine, 28 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for farce
Recent Examples of Synonyms for farce
  1. parody
  2. comedy
  3. joke
  4. satire
  5. caricature
  6. humor
  7. sham
Noun
  • The audience, by then, once united in laughing at its easier targets of parody, had become more fractious and ill-at-ease.
    — Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 5 Oct. 2026
  • Of course, this being a MAGA parody and being SNL, the joke had to go further.
    — Dominic Patten, Deadline, 3 Oct. 2026
Definition of parody
Noun
  • The one-day event will screen 12 shorts from seven countries, with documentaries, dramas, comedies, animation and experimental pieces in the mix.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 3 Oct. 2026
  • Because in the 1950s and 1960s, Prince Charles used to listen to a radio show each week called 'The Goon Show,' which was a comedy show where Fred and Gladys were called.
    — Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 3 Oct. 2026
Definition of comedy
Noun
  • That’s one of the wobbliest of the timeline-hopping jokes in the show.
    — Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 5 Oct. 2026
  • Painfully aware of this, Shawn waited for one of the drunk old men to comment, heckle, make one of those incomprehensible jokes that drew rude laughter from adults.
    — Rachel Heng, New Yorker, 4 Oct. 2026
Definition of joke
Noun
  • Altman isn’t the only big name who gets chewed up and spit out by Guadagnino’s dark satire.
    — Chris Murphy, Vanity Fair, 6 Oct. 2026
  • The film is a satire about an impending climate change apocalypse that’s triggered by the drilling operations of oil tycoon Digger Rockwell, played by Cruise, who looks nearly unrecognizable clad in prosthetics and graying hair.
    — Samantha Masunaga, Los Angeles Times, 4 Oct. 2026
Definition of satire
Noun
  • But Iñárritu’s caricatures become people in a way Kubrick’s don’t; as the bewildered President, for example, John Goodman is simultaneously grounded and theatrical in his presentation, recalling his best work with the Coen brothers.
    — Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 30 Sep. 2026
  • Instead of digging into the details of personality and circumstance — this school has a specific class for Shakespeare and also English teachers who are literature-hating caricatures?
    — Sara Holdren, Vulture, 28 Sep. 2026
Definition of caricature
Noun
  • Fresh Air critic John Powers describes it as a unique blend of creepiness, sarcastic humor and political anger, unlike anything else on TV.
    — Brittney Melton, NPR, 2 Oct. 2026
  • Inextricable to Long’s art, though, is a self-awareness and acerbic wit that elevates the narrative and reminds us that humor is integral to survival, too.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of humor
Noun
  • Plus, the set comes with two shams to complete your sanctuary.
    — Shea Simmons, Southern Living, 18 Sep. 2026
  • The five-piece set includes a plush comforter, throw blanket, shams, and a decorative pillow for calming cohesion, and comes in rich neutrals like creamy beige, midnight blue, and toasty brown.
    — Better Homes & Gardens, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of sham

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faraway
farce
farces
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Cite this Entry

“Farce.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/farce. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on farce

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about farce

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