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

• antic
• chucklesome
• comedic
• comic
• comical
• droll
• farcical
• funny
• hilarious
• humoristic
• hysterical
• hysteric
• killing
• laughable
• ludicrous
• ridiculous
• riotous
• risible
• screaming
• sidesplitting
• uproarious

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

As shown through roles like Crazy Rich Asians and Awkwafina Is Nora From Queens, the comedic actress embodies the quick-witted and humorous Gemini sign to a tee. 10 of 20 Blake Shelton With a June 18 birthday, Blake Shelton is a Gemini sign. —Kelsie Gibson, Peoplemag, 25 May 2024

Neither degrading nor glamorous, Ani and Ivan’s sessions are instead gently humorous. —Peter Debruge, Variety, 21 May 2024

This strange and humorous film sees Elvis trying to align his waning star in an era of Vietnam War protestors and drug use to President Nixon, who is also suffering from lagging approval ratings from the same people. —Tim Moffatt, EW.com, 20 May 2024

During election seasons, Klepper often travels to Trump or Republican candidates' events to conduct humorous person-on-the-street interviews with event attendees. —Kelly Meyerhofer, Journal Sentinel, 2 Apr. 2024

Word History

Etymology

see humor entry 1

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

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