as in laughter
an explosive sound that is a sign of amusement
a quick chuckle at the funny comment
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in to laugh
to show mirth with an explosive vocal sound
everyone dutifully chuckled at the professor's intended jokes
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Alexander Bolton, The Hill, 12 Dec. 2025
The smiling men appear to be sharing a chuckle as Branson holds up a page from a notebook that seems to contain handwritten numbers and equations.
—James Hill, ABC News, 12 Dec. 2025
Stewart Mandel, New York Times, 9 Jan. 2026
But on the latest episode of his New Heights podcast, Kelce chuckled about Jones’ proclamation.
—Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 7 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for chuckle
Noun
That one got a big laugh out of Schmitt and a chuckles from his wife.
—Alexander Bolton, The Hill, 12 Dec. 2025
The smiling men appear to be sharing a chuckle as Branson holds up a page from a notebook that seems to contain handwritten numbers and equations.
—James Hill, ABC News, 12 Dec. 2025
Verb
Johnson, a Pro Football Hall of Fame receiver who starred on the school’s last national championship team in 2001 and played in its last title game the following year, chuckled while recalling the days when the BCS computers determined which two teams made it.
—Stewart Mandel, New York Times, 9 Jan. 2026
But on the latest episode of his New Heights podcast, Kelce chuckled about Jones’ proclamation.
—Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 7 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for chuckle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for chuckle
Noun
-
Something that holds laughter, gathering, and love.—
Okla Jones,
Essence,
21 Jan. 2026
-
But the tense moment quickly turned to laughter when it was all revealed to be a prank.—
Erin Clack,
PEOPLE,
21 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Scott Adams, who kept cubicle denizens laughing for more than three decades with Dilbert, the bitingly funny comic strip that poked fun at the absurdity of corporate life, before racist remarks got him pink-slipped, died Tuesday.—
Chris Koseluk,
HollywoodReporter,
13 Jan. 2026
-
Snoop Dogg called out as the audience laughed.—
Ashley Hume,
FOXNews.com,
13 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
On Tuesday morning, the Oscar winner ended her Today interview with host Craig Melvin in giggles after making a simple mistake, confusing one TV network for another.—
Shania Russell,
Entertainment Weekly,
6 Jan. 2026
-
And leave it to two stars of Hacks, one of the funniest shows on TV, to bring us a giggle.—
Christian Allaire,
Vogue,
4 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
While there were a few snickers, the photographers obliged and got their photos.—
Brittany Spanos,
Rolling Stone,
11 Nov. 2025
-
Early never makes fun of Maddie, never lets the audience snicker at the screen.—
Sam Bodrojan,
IndieWire,
7 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Chuckle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/chuckle. Accessed 24 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
