humorous

adjective

hu·​mor·​ous ˈhyüm-rəs 

ˈyüm-, 

ˈhyü-mə- 

ˈyü-

1

a

: full of or characterized by that quality which appeals to a sense of the ludicrous or absurdly incongruous : full of or characterized by humor : funny

humorous stories

shared a humorous anecdote

b

: possessing, indicating, or expressive of an ability to be funny or to be amused by things that are funny : possessing, indicating, or expressive of a sense of humor

a humorous writer

studied his own life … with a shrewd and humorous eye

—Harrison Smith

2

obsolete : humid

humorously adverb

humorousness noun

Synonyms of humorous

• funny
• comedic
• amusing
• comical
• comic
• entertaining

Choose the Right Synonym for humorous

witty, humorous, facetious, jocular, jocose mean provoking or intended to provoke laughter.

witty suggests cleverness and quickness of mind.

a witty remark

humorous applies broadly to anything that evokes usually genial laughter and may contrast with witty in suggesting whimsicality or eccentricity.

humorous anecdotes

facetious stresses a desire to produce laughter and may be derogatory in implying dubious or ill-timed attempts at wit or humor.

facetious comments

jocular implies a usually habitual fondness for jesting and joking.

a jocular fellow

jocose is somewhat less derogatory than facetious in suggesting habitual waggishness or playfulness.

jocose proposals

Examples of humorous in a Sentence

The book is very humorous.

the humorous moments in an otherwise somber affair

Recent Examples on the Web

In a humorous Facebook post earlier this week, the South Fulton Police Department, based in Metro Atlanta, claimed people were calling them about the public spat. —Taylor Ardrey, USA Today, 26 Feb. 2026

Even though there are at least one hundred people on this floor, colorful cubicle walls, and plenty of humorous art (a mug shot of Bill Gates from his arrest in Albuquerque is a favorite), the room is disturbingly quiet. —Sean Williams, Harpers Magazine, 24 Feb. 2026

Wood feels like a great match for the project, which is widely considered to be ahead of its time because of the heroine’s individualistic and humorous character and how the novel approaches topics of class, sexuality, religion and feminism. —Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 24 Feb. 2026

That Tânia Maria also recently starred in humorous local commercials for Burger King and Heineken is proof of her current status in Brazilian pop culture — as are the Dona Sebastiana costumes that have become popular during this year’s Carnival. —Carlos Aguilar, Los Angeles Times, 24 Feb. 2026

Word History

Etymology

see humor entry 1

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for humorous

• humerus
• numerous

Kids Definition

humorous

adjective

hu·​mor·​ous ˈhyüm-(ə-)rəs 

ˈyüm-

: full of, characterized by, or expressing humor : droll

a humorous story

humorously adverb

humorousness noun