as in smiling
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as in laughing
to show mirth with an explosive vocal sound
everyone dutifully chuckled at the professor's intended jokes
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Recent Examples of chuckling
Erin Qualey, Vulture, 6 Apr. 2026
In early February, Raphael Bostic sat on a stage chuckling, and a bit embarrassed, while his predecessor handed him a pair of gifts.
—Mirtha Donastorg, AJC.com, 27 Feb. 2026
In the front of the bus, Kilgo first started chuckling softly.
—Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 28 Jan. 2026
When that happens, press play on these funny Hanukkah songs that will have the whole family chuckling.
—Fiona Tapp, Parents, 16 Dec. 2025
Somewhere, Dan Lanning had to be chuckling at that one.
—Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 29 Nov. 2025
I'mPhaedra Trethan, chuckling over a discussion among colleagues about what to call the goo that comes out of whales' blowholes.
—Phaedra Trethan, USA Today, 20 Nov. 2025
These are uncontroversial jokes that aim to bring people together and get everyone chuckling or smiling along.
—Big Think, 5 Nov. 2025
Flacco spent most of his postgame interview chuckling about the unpredictable last 10 days that have landed him back in the NFL's spotlight in his 18th season.
—Andrew Greif, NBC news, 17 Oct. 2025
Verb
To be fair, Dylan is also engaging in some territorial behaviors, like chuckling about Greg’s affinity for nuts and lightly putting a hand on his arm, so keep an eye on that space.
—Erin Qualey, Vulture, 6 Apr. 2026
In early February, Raphael Bostic sat on a stage chuckling, and a bit embarrassed, while his predecessor handed him a pair of gifts.
—Mirtha Donastorg, AJC.com, 27 Feb. 2026
In the front of the bus, Kilgo first started chuckling softly.
—Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 28 Jan. 2026
When that happens, press play on these funny Hanukkah songs that will have the whole family chuckling.
—Fiona Tapp, Parents, 16 Dec. 2025
Somewhere, Dan Lanning had to be chuckling at that one.
—Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 29 Nov. 2025
I'mPhaedra Trethan, chuckling over a discussion among colleagues about what to call the goo that comes out of whales' blowholes.
—Phaedra Trethan, USA Today, 20 Nov. 2025
These are uncontroversial jokes that aim to bring people together and get everyone chuckling or smiling along.
—Big Think, 5 Nov. 2025
Flacco spent most of his postgame interview chuckling about the unpredictable last 10 days that have landed him back in the NFL's spotlight in his 18th season.
—Andrew Greif, NBC news, 17 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for chuckling
Adjective
-
As Thomas’ parents, Katina Smith and Bobby Thomas, unveiled their son’s smiling statue in the Broncos’ Ring of Fame Plaza last Sunday, as scores of his former teammates looked on in sadness and joy, Miller was 800 miles away in Dallas, gearing up for a game against the Cowboys.—
Luca Evans,
Denver Post,
24 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Friends like Lyle and Danny started laughing at us and edging away, calling Lisa my Yoko.—
Joseph Hudak,
Rolling Stone,
7 Apr. 2026
-
In the security video, the two officers can be seen laughing and shaking hands with the assailants.—
Rebecca Ellis,
Los Angeles Times,
7 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Nathanael said with his eyebrows raised and an amused look on his face.—
Lauren Brown West-Rosenthal,
Parents,
2 Apr. 2026
-
The short clip was shared on March 20 under @frankiethedox and quickly took off, amassing more than 559,000 likes and a flood of amused comments.—
Melissa Fleur Afshar,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
On the two days that THR spent on set last summer, the young cast could regularly be heard giggling in between takes.—
Max Gao,
HollywoodReporter,
8 Apr. 2026
-
Rohan chatted with the women while the children darted around, sneaking looks at us and giggling.—
Elizabeth Cantrell,
Travel + Leisure,
7 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Haim managed to put on a show that felt about 95% mirthful while still honoring the integrity of the new songs that dig emotionally deeper.—
Chris Willman,
Variety,
14 Oct. 2025
-
There’s a mirthful sparkle to the crowd, guests and crew alike, especially apparent given our close quarters on the train.—
Matt Ortile,
Condé Nast Traveler,
8 Aug. 2024
Adjective
-
O’Brien, 86, is a gleeful raconteur who has worked as a director in the theater since the 1960s, picking up four Tony Awards along the way, including for Hairspray, and has enough anecdotes to fill at least two memoirs.—
Jackson McHenry,
Vulture,
6 Apr. 2026
-
After Shideler was cross-examined, the feeling in the park outside was briefly gleeful.—
Rachel Monroe,
New Yorker,
26 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
What gives a being that’s tantamount to a jovial blank slate such staying power?—
Christopher Cruz,
Rolling Stone,
5 Apr. 2026
-
Valanciunas has long been regarded as a jovial locker-room presence throughout the NBA, known for his sense of humor.—
Bennett Durando,
Denver Post,
3 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Chuckling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/chuckling. Accessed 14 Apr. 2026.
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