as in humorous
causing or intended to cause laughter
made a droll comment about the commencement speaker's penchant for clichés
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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
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of droll
Nina Metz, Chicago Tribune, 1 Apr. 2025
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
Guy Lodge, Variety, 10 July 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for droll
Adjective
The now-adult baby was given the name Enigma, which is also droll.
—Nina Metz, Chicago Tribune, 1 Apr. 2025
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
Noun
Which is to say the title of Portuguese director João Rosas‘ debut feature isn’t at all ironic: This droll, delightful romantic comedy is an ode to the good times that can be had amid and around heartache, and the healing that eventually comes out of that very conflict.
—Guy Lodge, Variety, 10 July 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for droll
Recent Examples of Synonyms for droll
Adjective
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The film, written by Tony McNamara (The Favourite, The Great) and directed by Jay Roach (Meet the Parents, Bombshell), also comments on the observation that Brits are inherently better at insulting each other in a way that feels humorous or light-hearted as opposed to just outright cruel.—
EW.com,
EW.com,
25 Aug. 2025
-
The pair form an uneasy and sometimes humorous alliance while uncovering a drug ring revolving around a dangerous alien narcotic.—
Jeff Spry,
Space.com,
24 Aug. 2025
Noun
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Crist discussed the news on fellow comedian Nate Bargatze's podcast as well as his own.—
Brad Schmitt,
Nashville Tennessean,
28 Aug. 2025
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Adam Friedland, a Jewish comedian who once lived in Israel, confronted Representative Ritchie Torres, a New York Democrat, about his support for Israel during a recent interview.—
Andrew Stanton,
MSNBC Newsweek,
28 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
While Graham’s channel is comedic in nature, the results are no joke.—
Amelia McBride,
Travel + Leisure,
16 Aug. 2025
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While the tone is comedic, the clip taps into a collective unease: the guilt many feel for stepping away from their screens on a quiet Friday afternoon, even when the workday is winding down.—
Melissa Fleur Afshar,
MSNBC Newsweek,
15 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Ramirez described Flores as a humble, funny and caring person.—
Gina Lee Castro,
jsonline.com,
24 Aug. 2025
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Scattered Thoughts: The digs at 30 Seconds To Mars were funny and telling.—
Erik Kain,
Forbes.com,
24 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Many years have passed, and when the three return home for their mother’s third wedding, each sister is dysfunctional in her own distinct, often amusing way.—
Gracie Wiener,
Air Mail,
16 Aug. 2025
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One of the people who took notice of Sanders' standout performance was Browns general manager Andrew Berry, who congratulated the rookie on his NFL debut and shared an amusing exchange with him in the process.—
Michael Gallagher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
15 Aug. 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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She's also found success as the creator and star of comic series such as Pulling (2006–2009), Catastrophe (2015–2019), and Bad Sisters (2022–present), the latter an EW favorite.—
Randall Colburn,
EW.com,
23 Aug. 2025
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The comic noir world premiered at Cannes, see Deadline review, closing out the event with a Midnight Screening.—
Jill Goldsmith,
Deadline,
22 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Quarterback Haynes King and running back Jamal Haynes lead a very entertaining rushing attack, and Georgia Tech brings back the man pulling the strings on offense, coordinator Buster Faulkner.—
Antonio Morales,
New York Times,
19 Aug. 2025
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Jim, Mike, Joe and Bill were The Dooley Brothers band, as entertaining and durable as any band in the city’s musical history.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
19 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Droll.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/droll. Accessed 1 Sep. 2025.
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