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

Picozzi had a humorous encounter on plow duty. —Jack Perry, The Providence Journal, 23 Jan. 2026

As heavy snow and bitter cold approach Kansas City, firefighters at Station 10 posted a humorous reminder on Facebook for residents to stay smart and safe. —Robert A. Cronkleton, Kansas City Star, 22 Jan. 2026

It’s meant to be engaging, humorous and at times lighthearted, while also addressing the serious realities and heartbreak of what happens when someone is wrongly accused. —Yosha Gunasekera, PEOPLE, 21 Jan. 2026

The fact that a Jazz festival was happening across the street from the team’s hotel was more humorous than anything else — at least to everybody except the head coach — but Payton will always find a way to set the standard for everybody. —Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 15 Jan. 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