1
Core meaning
An exaggerated representation of a person or thing, usually for comic or critical effect.
Example
The newspaper printed a caricature of the mayor.
caricature
/ˈkærɪkətʃʊər/ · KAIR-ih-kuh-choornoun
An exaggerated representation of a person or thing, usually for comic or critical effect.
Use caricature to express this relationship precisely: an exaggerated representation of a person or thing, usually for comic or critical effect.
What caricature Really Means
The word becomes easier to use when its closely related senses are separated and compared.
2
Common noun frame
Use this noun in a complete noun phrase, adding the complement that identifies what it refers to when needed.
Example
The character risks becoming a caricature rather than a credible person.
3
Analytical distinction
Choose it when this exact concept matters; a related term may describe its cause, evidence, or opposite instead.
Example
Satire often uses caricature to expose vanity.
Use caricature Naturally
Notice how the surrounding noun or clause reveals the exact shade of meaning.
The newspaper printed a caricature of the mayor.
The character risks becoming a caricature rather than a credible person.
Satire often uses caricature to expose vanity.
Precision Matters
Caricature overlaps with several common words, but each carries a different emphasis.
caricature
vs.Means an exaggerated representation of a person or thing, usually for comic or critical effect.
depict
Means represent, portray, or show someone or something in words, images, or another medium.
caricature
vs.Means an exaggerated representation of a person or thing, usually for comic or critical effect.
satire
Means the use of humour, irony, exaggeration, or ridicule to expose and criticize human folly or social problems.
caricature
vs.Means an exaggerated representation of a person or thing, usually for comic or critical effect.
anecdote
Means a brief account of a real or purported incident, often interesting or amusing but not necessarily representative evidence.
caricature
vs.Means an exaggerated representation of a person or thing, usually for comic or critical effect.
propaganda
Means biased or misleading information deliberately spread to promote a political cause, viewpoint, or group.
Test caricature in Context
The portrait exaggerates features for comic effect.
1
The cartoon enlarged the politician's eyebrows and reduced his body to a tiny outline, creating a comic ___.