as in smiling
Related Words
Relevance
Dissimilar Words
as in laughing
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 chuckling
Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 1 May 2026
Flying cows, fiddle-playing cats, and chuckling retrievers inhabit the space between ornate columns.
—Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 22 Apr. 2026
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
Verb
Baffert watched it all on his laptop from California, chuckling as the board showing the horse’s price flaked out momentarily.
—Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 1 May 2026
Flying cows, fiddle-playing cats, and chuckling retrievers inhabit the space between ornate columns.
—Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 22 Apr. 2026
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
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
-
The next morning, the pair are chatting and laughing.—
Erin Vanderhoof,
Vanity Fair,
12 May 2026
-
Sometimes laughing is better than crying.—
Lexi Lane,
PEOPLE,
9 May 2026
Adjective
-
Her amused, introspective grace juggling a vast cast of (wonderful) characters and (fascinating) relationships means the true story at the center here ends up playing second fiddle.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
7 May 2026
-
Obama’s staff would look less amused a few weeks later, as their boss hosted President-elect Trump at the White House.—
W. James Antle III,
The Washington Examiner,
25 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
On the chaise side of the sectional, Fiona and Izzy were giggling under a blanket, playing a makeover game on Fiona’s phone.—
Anna Wiener,
New Yorker,
4 May 2026
-
McLarty and Walker shift from depressive introspection to giggling reminiscences.—
Christopher Arnott,
Hartford Courant,
4 May 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
-
Through gleeful anarchy, a variety of filters, and a kinetic score, the two Maries spoil themselves with sweets, outwit suitors, and desecrate the rituals of fine dining in a glorious climax of rebellion.—
Jennifer Noyes,
Air Mail,
25 Apr. 2026
-
This relic of a production, however, doesn’t feel particularly dangerous, shocking or even gleeful.—
Frank Rizzo,
Variety,
24 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
DeCaro often played likable, even jovial characters, a match for his own personality.—
Chris Jones,
Chicago Tribune,
29 Apr. 2026
-
And the two shared many jovial moments during their exchanges at the state banquet.—
Tiago Ventura,
Time,
29 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Chuckling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/chuckling. Accessed 13 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
