witticism

noun

wit·​ti·​cism ˈwi-tə-ˌsi-zəm 

: a cleverly witty and often biting or ironic remark

Synonyms

• boff
• boffo
• boffola
• crack
• drollery
• funny
• gag
• giggle [chiefly British]
• jape
• jest
• joke
• josh
• laugh
• nifty
• one-liner
• pleasantry
• quip
• rib
• sally
• waggery
• wisecrack
• yuk [slang]
• yuck
• yak
• yock

Examples of witticism in a Sentence

a collection of famous witticisms

a drama critic who is best remembered for his biting witticisms

Recent Examples on the Web

Marvel dropped a full trailer in April that was chock-full of off-color witticisms, meta-references, slo-mo action, and a generous sprinkling of F-bombs. —Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 19 July 2024

Similar to how James L. Brooks’ creation of Aaron Altman in the 1987 movie Broadcast News was so organically Albert Brooks, co-creator Chuck Lorre has pulled off a similar feat with Maniscalco in Bookie which are ripe with the comic’s witticisms and observations. —Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 19 June 2024

The samples offered are purple and banal, hardly living up to Gabriel García Márquez’s witticism about similar fabrications. —Jesse Green, New York Times, 6 Feb. 2024

And there's no better way to lift everyone's spirits than with a few Valentine's Day jokes, quips, and witticisms. —Fiona Tapp, Parents, 24 Jan. 2024

Word History

Etymology

witty + -cism (as in criticism)

First Known Use

1651, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

witticism

noun

wit·​ti·​cism ˈwit-ə-ˌsiz-əm 

: a witty saying