burlesque 1 of 2

noun

(ˌ)bər-ˈlesk How to pronounce burlesque (audio)
Definition of burlesquenext
as in parody
a work that imitates and exaggerates another work for comic effect it is interesting to note that the first novel ever written in English was followed by a burlesque of it

Synonyms & Similar Words

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burlesque

2 of 2

verb

as in to parody
to copy or exaggerate (someone or something) in order to make fun of burlesquing the teacher's nervous tic isn't very nice

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun burlesque differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of burlesque are caricature, parody, and travesty. While all these words mean "a comic or grotesque imitation," burlesque implies mockery especially through giving a serious or lofty subject a frivolous treatment.

a nightclub burlesque of a trial in court

In what contexts can caricature take the place of burlesque?

The words caricature and burlesque are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, caricature implies ludicrous exaggeration of the characteristic features of a subject.

caricatures of politicians in cartoons

When might parody be a better fit than burlesque?

The synonyms parody and burlesque are sometimes interchangeable, but parody applies especially to treatment of a trivial or ludicrous subject in the exactly imitated style of a well-known author or work.

a witty parody of a popular novel

When is it sensible to use travesty instead of burlesque?

The meanings of travesty and burlesque largely overlap; however, travesty implies that the subject remains unchanged but that the style is extravagant or absurd.

this production is a travesty of the opera

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 burlesque
Noun
The main performance is scheduled to include aerial acrobatics, bondage, burlesque and drag performers from groups such as The Dragonettes, AKArts Collective and others with hypnotic live looping and vocal music from Morgan Sorne. — Anne Schrager, San Francisco Chronicle, 11 Feb. 2026 Hell’s Half-acre, the bawdy section of town, was thriving, the Texas Brewery opened in 1891, and Byer’s Opera House had brought burlesque to Cowtown. — Richard Selcer, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 Nov. 2025
Verb
One burlesqued the Oscar broadcast’s impending move to YouTube, in 2029. — Richard Brody, New Yorker, 16 Mar. 2026 During that visit, Manson spoke about his friendship with French-Chilean artist Alejandro Jodorowsky, who lived in Mexico during the 1970s and 1980s and officiated Manson’s wedding to burlesque performer Dita Von Teese in Ireland in 2005. — Natalia Cano, Billboard, 11 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for burlesque
Recent Examples of Synonyms for burlesque
  1. parody
  2. mock
  3. spoof
  4. imitate
  5. satire
Noun
  • Both shows make use of the parody defense, of course, that being the sly way for comedic artists to cash in on someone else’s intellectual property by insisting that their motives are honorably satirical.
    — Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 24 Aug. 2026
  • Watch Sioux Falls’ parody on the Austin and Colin YouTube channel or visit their website.
    — Angela George, Sioux Falls Argus Leader, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of parody
Verb
  • Her style of rental therapy is to mock, then mend; heckle, then help.
    — Andrea Sachs, Washington Post, 25 Aug. 2026
  • The sources firmly rejected the draft declarations, characterizing them as publicity stunts designed to mock the league, sow division, and draw attention to the topic by demeaning others.
    — Wayne Sterling, CNN Money, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of mock
Noun
  • It's been a great couple of years for horror movies, which means that the time was right for the return of horror spoofs.
    — K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Kimmel and Damon then bicker over who has a rightful paternal claim to the child, culminating in a pitch-perfect spoof of Maury featuring Short as Povich.
    — Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 22 Aug. 2026
Definition of spoof
Verb
  • But in a case of life imitating art, the show’s entire publicity strategy was inadvertently wrecked by a real-life aristocrat, after reports leaked that Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, was being eyed for a role in the series.
    — K.J. Yossman, Variety, 25 Aug. 2026
  • But from Ossoff, who cuts a more wholesome figure and doesn’t imitate the president, the attacks are more surprising—and therefore perhaps more effective.
    — Elaine Godfrey, The Atlantic, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of imitate
Noun
  • In 2025 Turner showed his eclectic tastes, appearing in the romantic drama Eternity, the war on terrorism satire Atropia, and the low-budget art-house mystery Rose of Nevada.
    — L. Sue Baugh, Encyclopedia Britannica, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Because object narrators tend to be things that circulate across layers of society, the it-narrative offered a ready platform for social satire.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of satire

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Cite this Entry

“Burlesque.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/burlesque. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on burlesque

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about burlesque

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