hilarity

noun

hi·​lar·​i·​ty hi-ˈler-ə-tē 

hī-

: boisterous merriment or laughter

Synonyms of hilarity

• glee
• cheerfulness
• merriness
• festivity
• cheer

Examples of hilarity in a Sentence

My attempt to carve the turkey was a source of great hilarity at the dinner table.

hilarity is the last thing you expect to find at a funeral, but we were there to celebrate his life rather than to dwell on his death

Recent Examples on the Web

Featuring odes to such heartland institutions as the Tennessee Titans and Walmart, the latter depicted as a holy mecca where any problem can be solved, The Breadwinner aspires to John Hughes family-style humor without any of the genuine hilarity that filmmaker produced. —Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 27 May 2026

But earnestness is the enemy of hilarity. —Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 20 May 2026

This multi-generational story explores the beauty, agony, and hilarity of loving other people deeply. —Angelique Jackson, Variety, 8 May 2026

Natisha Hiedeman signed with the Seattle Storm, splitting up the hilarity of her friendship with Courtney Williams while the two played for the Lynx. —Tim Rohan, NBC news, 13 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for hilarity

• alterity
• asperity
• austerity
• celerity
• dexterity
• disparity
• molarity
• planarity
• polarity
• posterity
• prosperity
• severity

Kids Definition

hilarity

noun

hi·​lar·​i·​ty hil-ˈar-ət-ē 

-ˈer-;

hī-ˈlar-, 

-ˈler-

: noisy fun