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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

guffaw

2 of 2

verb

as in to chuckle

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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

For one, our laughs sound different based on context — from a polite chuckle among colleagues to a full-bodied guffaw with close friends. — ABC News, 25 June 2026 There were waves of guffaws and, also, supportive finger-snapping. — Emily Nussbaum, New Yorker, 16 Apr. 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

There’s pitying chuckles to his childlike dependence on his peculiarly loyal man servant.

— Ben Travers, IndieWire, 29 Oct. 2026
The satire falls flat, but there’s some chuckles to be found in the Simpsons living beyond their economic means.

— Joshua Kurp, Vulture, 26 Oct. 2026

Definition of chuckle

Verb

In one photo, Ray’s sister Ruby held up the giggling infant, making kissy faces at the baby wrapped up in a blanket.

— Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 27 Oct. 2026
Last episode, Jelly and Devin were out there giggling on the beach like Will and Grace with sand stuck in their coochies.

— Brian Moylan, Vulture, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of giggle

Noun

His political concerns and active vigilance are accompanied by a stubborn smile and frequent laughter.

— Tim Greiving, Los Angeles Times, 3 Nov. 2026
Everyone in the audience was laughing and applauding, thinking Molière’s intense coughing fit was comedic gold, until their laughter turned to horror.

— Gates McFadden, Variety, 2 Nov. 2026

Definition of laughter

Noun

But there’s another 45 supremely indulgent auteur gunk that is snicker-worthy.

— Abid Rahman, HollywoodReporter, 14 Sep. 2026
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

Definition of snicker

Browse Nearby Words

guff

guffaw

guffawed

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Style

“Guffaw.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/guffaw. Accessed 10 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of guffaw

noun

verb

Example Sentences

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