as in laughter
an explosive sound that is a sign of amusement
a quick chuckle at the funny comment
Synonyms & Similar Words
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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
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Recent Examples of chuckle
Ashlyn Robinette, PEOPLE, 21 Jan. 2026
The more stinging irony here is that Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping probably approved these public statements with a chuckle.
—Tom Nichols, The Atlantic, 3 Jan. 2026
Anna Lazarus Caplan, PEOPLE, 10 Jan. 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for chuckle
Noun
Marilyn responded, prompting a chuckle from Art.
—Ashlyn Robinette, PEOPLE, 21 Jan. 2026
The more stinging irony here is that Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping probably approved these public statements with a chuckle.
—Tom Nichols, The Atlantic, 3 Jan. 2026
Verb
At first, Eli and Peyton chuckled at the sight, while Combs sang along — which is all part of the appeal, Malloy says.
—Anna Lazarus Caplan, PEOPLE, 10 Jan. 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for chuckle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for chuckle
Noun
-
Even as a Black person who smiled ear to ear when Black people fought for laughter with the mighty pressure of their jaws.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
28 Jan. 2026
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The men stood frowning at each other and then back at Adi until the one without the gun broke into croaks of laughter.—
Jonathan Miles,
Harpers Magazine,
27 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
All the guys were sitting around, laughing.—
Jayson Jenks,
New York Times,
31 Jan. 2026
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Asked for his take on the matter, Carollo laughed.—
Tess Riski
January 30,
Miami Herald,
30 Jan. 2026
Noun
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The weekly gatherings of knitters at Needle & Skein, a yarn store in Minneapolis, are typically filled with giggles and storytelling.—
Ava Berger,
NPR,
31 Jan. 2026
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Twain, of course, never stooped to fart jokes or hunchback gags in pursuit of a giggle.—
Seth Abramovitch,
HollywoodReporter,
30 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 5 Feb. 2026.
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