farce

/fɑːrs/

NOUN

1. A form of exaggerated comic entertainment

A type of comedy characterized by absurd situations, improbable events, exaggerated behavior, and physical humor, often intended to provoke laughter.

1.1. Comic play or theatrical performance

A humorous dramatic work that relies on ridiculous situations, mistaken identities, misunderstandings, and exaggerated actions.

Synonyms

  • broad comedy
  • slapstick
  • burlesque
  • buffoonery
  • knockabout comedy
  • low comedy
  • comedy

Antonyms

  • tragedy
  • serious drama
  • solemn drama

Examples

  • The play was a classic farce filled with mistaken identities and ridiculous misunderstandings.
  • The theater company staged a lively farce that kept the audience laughing.
  • His latest production combines elements of slapstick and traditional farce.

Related Words

1.2. Absurd or exaggerated comic behavior

Humorous conduct involving foolish actions, ridiculous antics, or exaggerated behavior that makes a situation entertaining.

Synonyms

  • buffoonery
  • foolery
  • horseplay
  • tomfoolery
  • clowning
  • slapstick
  • foolishness

Antonyms

  • seriousness
  • sobriety
  • solemnity
  • gravity

Examples

  • The meeting descended into farce when the participants began arguing over trivial matters.
  • The comedian's performance was full of physical farce and exaggerated gestures.
  • Their attempts to organize the event turned into pure farce.

Related Words

  • hilarity
  • ridiculousness
  • silliness
  • merriment
  • horseplay
  • comicality

NOUN

2. A ridiculous or meaningless situation

An event, proceeding, or situation so absurd, disorganized, or unreasonable that it becomes laughable or difficult to take seriously.

2.1. An absurd or chaotic situation

A situation characterized by ridiculous events, confusion, or a series of unreasonable occurrences that undermine its seriousness.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Examples

  • The investigation became a farce after crucial evidence was repeatedly overlooked.
  • What began as a routine meeting turned into a complete farce.
  • The delays and conflicting instructions made the entire process a farce.

Related Words

2.2. A sham or mockery of a serious process

An event or proceeding that appears to be legitimate or meaningful but is so unfair, insincere, or improperly conducted that it cannot be taken seriously.

Synonyms

Antonyms

  • genuine process
  • legitimate proceeding
  • authenticity
  • integrity

Examples

  • Critics called the election a farce because the results had apparently been predetermined.
  • The trial was dismissed as a farce due to its lack of impartiality.
  • Without independent oversight, the public consultation risked becoming a farce.

Related Words

NOUN

3. A stuffing made from seasoned meat

A mixture of finely chopped or minced meat, fat, and seasonings used as a filling in cooking.

3.1. Meat stuffing or forcemeat

A seasoned mixture of minced meat and other ingredients prepared for stuffing poultry, meat, or other dishes.

Synonyms

  • forcemeat
  • meat stuffing

Examples

  • The traditional recipe calls for a rich farce made from minced pork and herbs.
  • The chef prepared a delicate farce to fill the roasted poultry.
  • The pastry was filled with a savory farce before baking.

Related Words

  • filling
  • sausage meat
  • minced meat
  • stuffing
  • seasoning