GUFFAW Synonyms: 43 Similar and Opposite Words

guffaw 1 of 2

noun

(ˌ)gə-ˈfȯ

Definition of guffaw

as in chuckle

an explosive sound that is a sign of amusement managed to keep a straight face for a minute before he let loose with a loud guffaw

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

guffaw

2 of 2

verb

as in to chuckle

Related Words

Dissimilar Words

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 guffaw

Noun

Expect guffaws, and bring tissues. — Scott Hocker, TheWeek, 18 Mar. 2026 But both episodes so far have gotten a few killer guffaws out of me. — Andy Andersen, Vulture, 9 Mar. 2026

Verb

Tykes get slapped around, shot with arrows and dangled in traffic — tortures that are played seriously, but the shock of them allows you to guffaw. — Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 11 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for guffaw

Recent Examples of Synonyms for guffaw

Noun

So Sydanmaa looks back on his first-ever varsity play with a chuckle.

— Steve Reaven, Chicago Tribune, 18 Aug. 2026
Brian Leonard’s smartly funny ode to his difficult daughter — a child whose behavior was so problematic, the family cycled through 28 therapists — offers plenty of chuckles, even with key questions left unanswered.

— Frederick Melo, Twin Cities, 10 Aug. 2026

Definition of chuckle

Noun

Giants tend to always stand a bit apart, but in true Palestinian style, Sliman had a few dear friends who shared in his times of ease and his laughter.

— Tessa Solomon, ARTnews.com, 26 Aug. 2026
There was a pause, as a room full of songwriters — the event was specifically for the Recording Academy’s Songwriters & Composers Wing — erupted into laughter.

— Chris Willman, Variety, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of laughter

Verb

The two ended up walking away laughing, and Luiz’s grin rode right into the next conversation, drill or interaction with anyone on the field.

— Daniel Sperry, Kansas City Star, 28 Aug. 2026
As Buddy Crane, a buffoonish, overconfident opposing counsel who works in house for Acme, John Cena relishes his role just as much as Buddy relishes laughing at Kevin.

— Angelica Jade Bastién, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of laugh

Noun

As executed, the 2019 show is an emotional yet refreshingly unsentimental black comedy that snickers in the face of empowerment buzzwords like, well, healing journey.

— Judy Berman, Time, 11 Aug. 2026
Classic cookies come in 11 flavors like chocolate chip, oatmeal raisin, peanut butter, snicker doodle, white chocolate macadamia nut, fruity pebbles, monster and white chocolate cranberry.

— Ella Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 July 2026

Definition of snicker

Browse Nearby Words

guff

guffaw

guffawed

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Guffaw.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/guffaw. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of guffaw

noun

verb

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

conscientious

Popular in Grammar & Usage

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Why does English have so many silent letters?

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Popular in Wordplay

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Even More Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Popular

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Games & Quizzes