gallows humor
noun
: humor that makes fun of a life-threatening, disastrous, or terrifying situation
Examples of gallows humor in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
As represented by Camus, absurdism emphasizes accepting the absurdity of life and finding joy without illusions, often through gallows humor.
—
Big Think, 25 Sep. 2025
In retrospect, Hell or High Water is a lot funnier, but there are still laughs and gallows humor in Relay.
—Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 21 Aug. 2025
As the ever-lovable father plays along with his daughter’s morose game, the film becomes both a love letter and a living eulogy, balancing gallows humor with profound tenderness.
—Travis Bean, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2025
Blending gallows humor with shoe-leather police work, riveting performances, and a twisted central mystery, Dept. Q manages to find hope and healing in the midst of human-on-human horror.
—EW.com, 25 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for gallows humor
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Big Think, 25 Sep. 2025
In retrospect, Hell or High Water is a lot funnier, but there are still laughs and gallows humor in Relay.
—Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 21 Aug. 2025
As the ever-lovable father plays along with his daughter’s morose game, the film becomes both a love letter and a living eulogy, balancing gallows humor with profound tenderness.
—Travis Bean, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2025
Blending gallows humor with shoe-leather police work, riveting performances, and a twisted central mystery, Dept. Q manages to find hope and healing in the midst of human-on-human horror.
—EW.com, 25 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for gallows humor
Cite this Entry
“Gallows humor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gallows%20humor. Accessed 30 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share