as in humorous
causing or intended to cause laughter
made a droll comment about the commencement speaker's penchant for clichés
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in comedian
a person (as a writer) noted for or specializing in humor
the drolls of late-night TV had a field day with that senator's sexual shenanigans
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Recent Examples of droll
Sarah Nechamkin, Vulture, 19 Feb. 2024
There are graphic novels with droll, sardonic dialogue.
—Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 21 Feb. 2025
Guy Lodge, Variety, 19 May 2025
Among the latter was John Bainbridge, an author of deadpan, droll Profiles and reported pieces.
—Mark Singer, New Yorker, 18 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for droll
Adjective
Obviously, this is an even less interesting story than the already droll Disgruntled thing, which is hard to believe would catch Geist’s attention, even as a joke.
—Sarah Nechamkin, Vulture, 19 Feb. 2024
There are graphic novels with droll, sardonic dialogue.
—Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 21 Feb. 2025
Noun
There’s some droll humor in this pileup of bad decisions and bad behavior — particularly in one running gag that sees Carey doggedly befriending Ashley’s parade of exes, including one hilariously gormless f-boy played by drawling ensemble standout Charlie Gillespie.
—Guy Lodge, Variety, 19 May 2025
Among the latter was John Bainbridge, an author of deadpan, droll Profiles and reported pieces.
—Mark Singer, New Yorker, 18 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for droll
Recent Examples of Synonyms for droll
Adjective
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Donkey provided comic relief, pathos and friendship to Shrek, with the film praised for its humorous twist on fairy-tale tropes.—
Aaron Couch,
HollywoodReporter,
11 Aug. 2025
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This humorous and heartfelt novel traces a decade in the couple’s life together — and Coralie’s own journey toward self-discovery.—
Carly Tagen-Dye,
People.com,
7 Aug. 2025
Noun
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In addition to Stewart, episodes are hosted by comedians Ronny Chieng, Josh Johnson, Jordan Klepper, Desi Lydic and Michael Kosta.—
Natalie Neysa Alund,
USA Today,
5 Aug. 2025
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Both comedians joined the legendary sketch show in 1995, with Shannon arriving midway through season 20 and Ferrell jumping aboard in season 21.—
Wesley Stenzel,
EW.com,
5 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Is known for a feverish delivery and inventive comedic song titles like the ones that permeate his latest project, WHO WATERS THE WILTING GIVING TREE ONCE THE LEAVES DRY UP AND FRUITS NO LONGER BEAR?—
Andre Gee,
Rolling Stone,
6 Aug. 2025
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Other comedic categories include Best Beverage, Filet Mignon Award for Best Beef, Canadian Award for Canadian Delicacy, Worst Sticky Feeling and more.—
Danielle Directo-Meston,
HollywoodReporter,
5 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Those sorts of stunts—vaguely reckless, endearing, kind of funny—feel indicative of DeMarco’s general lack of interest in taking himself too seriously.—
Amanda Petrusich,
New Yorker,
11 Aug. 2025
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Adam Johnson, The Orphan Master’s Son Set in contemporary North Korea, this epic, harrowing, and darkly funny novel follows a man caught in a totalitarian machine.—
Mark Nevins,
Forbes.com,
11 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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More Getty Images What made his Saturday round at Sedgefield Country Club more amusing was the birdie surge.—
Devlina Sarkar,
MSNBC Newsweek,
4 Aug. 2025
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Also, the British themselves are generally strange and amusing.—
Jackson McHenry,
Vulture,
29 July 2025
Adjective
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Despite the serious circumstances, their investigation still leaves room for Charles' comical bad acting, Oliver's zest to make a great podcast, Mabel's ability to teach them both some Gen Z lingo — and, of course, the murder board.—
Rachel Raposas,
People.com,
12 Aug. 2025
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An adaptation of a Stephen King short story, The Monkey is led by Theo James playing a pair of twins who are haunted by a toy that causes freak, almost comical, deaths.—
Savannah Salazar,
Vulture,
9 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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The film’s plot pulls inspiration from the comic storyline of the same name.—
Jack Dunn,
Variety,
10 Aug. 2025
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One feature of Spark’s comic genius is her ability to come up with screwball storylines that recapitulate our hapless drift toward final judgment.—
Judith Shulevitz,
The Atlantic,
10 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Heading outside, the open-plan sports deck is designed for lounging, dining, and entertaining, the sun deck offers space for relaxing at anchor, and the sea deck is geared toward water sports.—
Rachel Cormack,
Robb Report,
7 Aug. 2025
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Carpenter was the epitome of poise, delivering an energetic and entertaining performance on stage while controlling the moment with a quick wit between songs.—
Jim Ryan,
Forbes.com,
7 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Droll.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/droll. Accessed 20 Aug. 2025.
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