caricature

/ˈkæɹɪkətʃʊə/

Group 32Difficulty 1/3

Definitions

(noun)
A picture, description, or imitation of a person in which certain striking characteristics are exaggerated for comic effect
GRE
(verb)
To make a caricature of
GRE

Example in Context

The editorial cartoon caricatured the politician as a puppet, capturing public frustration with her perceived subservience to corporate interests.

Synonyms

exaggerationparodycartoon

Etymology

From Italian 'caricare', meaning to load or exaggerate, emphasizing comic distortion.

  • caricare (Italian) — to exaggerate

Memory Aid

🎭Sounds like “carry a cute tour

Picture a clown carrying a CUTE TOUR of exaggerated faces — that’s a CARICATURE!

Visual Association

🎨A funny painting of a politician with a giant head and tiny body, making everyone laugh.

Semantic Clusters

Synonym Groups

Frequently Asked Questions

What does “caricature” mean on the GRE?

caricature (noun) means “A picture, description, or imitation of a person in which certain striking characteristics are exaggerated for comic effect”. The editorial cartoon caricatured the politician as a puppet, capturing public frustration with her perceived subservience to corporate interests.

How to remember “caricature” for the GRE?

Mnemonic: “caricature” sounds like “carry a cute tour”. Picture a clown carrying a CUTE TOUR of exaggerated faces — that’s a CARICATURE!

What are synonyms for “caricature”?

Common synonyms: exaggeration, parody, cartoon.