CHUCKLE Synonyms: 54 Similar and Opposite Words

chuckle 1 of 2

noun

Definition of chuckle

as in laughter

an explosive sound that is a sign of amusement a quick chuckle at the funny comment

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chuckle

2 of 2

verb

ˈchə-kᵊl

as in to laugh

to show mirth with an explosive vocal sound everyone dutifully chuckled at the professor's intended jokes

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Example Sentences

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.

Recent Examples of chuckle

Noun

Prince William gives a heartfelt chuckle during his visit to the Apricot Centre, a carbon-negative farm and wellbeing service, on June 18. — Brendan Le, PEOPLE, 19 June 2026 As Ross runs off, on to the next part of the show, commentator John Helm lets out a hearty chuckle. — Jack Lang, New York Times, 9 June 2026

Verb

Roupp chuckled at the thought of making his big-league debut as a two-pitch guy. — Andrew Baggarly, New York Times, 7 July 2026 Burrus chuckles at the quirky things his buddy would do at these parties. — Howard Cohen, Miami Herald, 24 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for chuckle

Recent Examples of Synonyms for chuckle

Noun

The live show’s audience, filled with women in floral maxidresses and bearded men who probably host their own podcasts, was more than ready for love and laughter.

— Hillary Busis, Vanity Fair, 12 Aug. 2026
After failing to suppress her laughter, Brattin sunk to the floor as another host continued the segment on the live broadcast.

— Melina Khan, USA Today, 11 Aug. 2026

Definition of laughter

Noun

Meanwhile, donning night-vision giggles, Knoxville gleefully attacks them with trash can lids and tasers.

— Tim Grierson, Vulture, 11 Aug. 2026
At one moment, the young prince glances down with his doe eyes before looking shyly off to the side at his mom and breaking out into a giggle.

— Christina Perrier, InStyle, 5 Aug. 2026

Definition of giggle

Noun

As executed, the 2019 show is an emotional yet refreshingly unsentimental black comedy that snickers in the face of empowerment buzzwords like, well, healing journey.

— Judy Berman, Time, 11 Aug. 2026
Classic cookies come in 11 flavors like chocolate chip, oatmeal raisin, peanut butter, snicker doodle, white chocolate macadamia nut, fruity pebbles, monster and white chocolate cranberry.

— Ella Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 July 2026

Definition of snicker

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“Chuckle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/chuckle. Accessed 14 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of chuckle

noun

verb

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