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

This is the case with Saturday Night Live, a show that has reached the highest highs and lowest lows of hilarity for half a century. —Chris Snellgrove, Entertainment Weekly, 17 Jan. 2026

But sometimes this hammy hilarity can feel like a substitute for thoughtful plotting and considerate character development. —Niela Orr, Vulture, 13 Jan. 2026

Next to the hilarity of Liu and the wisdom of Glenn, Levito settles comfortably as their contrast, the youngster in their sisterhood, the calm next to their storm. —Marcus Thompson Ii, New York Times, 10 Jan. 2026

So, without further ado, here are 9 of my favorite holiday romances stuffed full of hilarity, hope, emotional baggage and love. —Jenny Bayliss, PEOPLE, 7 Dec. 2025

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