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

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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

There were waves of guffaws and, also, supportive finger-snapping. — Emily Nussbaum, New Yorker, 16 Apr. 2026 Expect guffaws, and bring tissues. — Scott Hocker, TheWeek, 18 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

Verb

In the video, Hilton’s 3-year-old son Phoenix can be seen giggling as the puppy playfully chases him around the room while 2-year-old sister London looks on.

— Catherine Santino, PEOPLE, 1 Sep. 2026
The dynamic duo giggled and hugged as curious onlookers took out their iPhones and started snapping away.

— Dalton Ross, Entertainment Weekly, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of giggle

Noun

Rainbow flags snapped in the warm breeze as music spilled into the streets, mixing with laughter, conversation and the steady pulse of the crowd.

— Nicole Buss, Sacbee.com, 7 Sep. 2026
The whole cast commits to the bit, having undoubtedly shown up to play— still, there is something about Pine’s overdone mannerisms that land with the most uproarious laughter.

— Tomris Laffly, Variety, 7 Sep. 2026

Definition of laughter

Verb

Holding their accounts on freeze like a fortress are smarmy bank managers who laugh in the face of Beirut citizens who attempt a demand on their own funds.

— Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 4 Sep. 2026
Camp’s turn here as a kooky neighbor who stumbles into an unexpected romance is exactly the kind of role that gets a room talking (and laughing).

— Clayton Davis, Variety, 4 Sep. 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

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guff

guffaw

guffawed

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“Guffaw.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/guffaw. Accessed 15 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of guffaw

noun

verb

Example Sentences

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