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
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
During the team’s media day on Monday, Yang spoke some English but in mid-sentence would revert back to Chinese, producing a mix of English and Chinese that leaves the affable 7-footer chuckling at himself.
—Jason Quick, New York Times, 30 Sep. 2025
Verb
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
During the team’s media day on Monday, Yang spoke some English but in mid-sentence would revert back to Chinese, producing a mix of English and Chinese that leaves the affable 7-footer chuckling at himself.
—Jason Quick, New York Times, 30 Sep. 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
-
Jamaica born About a hundred people gathered to lay Wilson to rest, singing, crying and laughing while remembering his kind heart, his hard work and his famous barbecue ribs and chicken wings.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
28 Mar. 2026
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Airline customers aren’t laughing, at least right now.—
John Seewer,
Fortune,
28 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
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
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But British reviewers were not so amused – and several were not afraid to find fault with the UK version of the long-running US show.—
Chas Newkey-Burden,
TheWeek,
23 Mar. 2026
Verb
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His portrayal of academic life will leave real professors wincing, if not giggling … Despite the obvious research that Martel put into his novel, there are too many gaffes about Homer and Greek epic to persuade any expert.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
2 Apr. 2026
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Its wicked sense of humor had spectators giggling throughout all three episodes, only to then break their hearts a little.—
Marta Balaga,
Variety,
28 Mar. 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
-
After Shideler was cross-examined, the feeling in the park outside was briefly gleeful.—
Rachel Monroe,
New Yorker,
26 Mar. 2026
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Balancing their orchestrated plans with the spontaneity of a real participant is what gave the series its gleeful tension.—
Ben Travers,
IndieWire,
20 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Your 11th House of Hopefulness lights up as enterprising Mars harmonizes with jovial Jupiter in your talkative 3rd house.—
Tarot.com,
Sun Sentinel,
21 Mar. 2026
-
The Kansas locker room felt jovial here in San Diego — more a reflection of the initial 32 minutes than the final eight of the just-find-a-way-to-hold-on win against California Baptist — but a booming voice still pierced through the noise.—
Sam McDowell,
Kansas City Star,
21 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Chuckling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/chuckling. Accessed 4 Apr. 2026.
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