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humor

Q: How does the noun 'humor' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of humor are irony , repartee , sarcasm , satire , and wit . While all these words mean "a mode of expression intended to arouse amusement," humor implies an ability to perceive the ludicrous, the comical, and the absurd in human life and to express these usually without bitterness. // a sense of humor

Q: When could 'irony' be used to replace 'humor'?

While in some cases nearly identical to humor , irony applies to a manner of expression in which the intended meaning is the opposite of what is seemingly expressed. // the irony of the title

Q: When might 'repartee' be a better fit than 'humor'?

The words repartee and humor can be used in similar contexts, but repartee implies the power of answering quickly, pointedly, or wittily. // a dinner guest noted for repartee

Q: Where would 'sarcasm' be a reasonable alternative to 'humor'?

Although the words sarcasm and humor have much in common, sarcasm applies to expression frequently in the form of irony that is intended to cut or wound. // given to heartless sarcasm

Q: In what contexts can 'satire' take the place of 'humor'?

The synonyms satire and humor are sometimes interchangeable, but satire applies to writing that exposes or ridicules conduct, doctrines, or institutions either by direct criticism or more often through irony, parody, or caricature. // a satire on the Congress

Q: When can 'wit' be used instead of 'humor'?

The meanings of wit and humor largely overlap; however, wit suggests the power to evoke laughter by remarks showing verbal felicity or ingenuity and swift perception especially of the incongruous. // a playful wit

noun

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Synonyms & Antonyms of humor

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 the amusing quality or element in something

we failed to see any humor in his mean and juvenile jokes

Synonyms for humor

Words Related to humor

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Antonyms for humor

pathos

2 humorous entertainment

a screenwriter best known for lowbrow humor

Synonyms for humor

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3 a state of mind dominated by a particular emotion

the prospect of going out to dinner put her in a good humor all day

Synonyms for humor

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strain

Phrases Synonymous with humor

frame of mind

4 a sudden impulsive and apparently unmotivated idea or action

she was seized by a sudden humor to contact an old college friend that she hadn't seen in ages

Synonyms for humor

Words Related to humor

conceit

Phrases Synonymous with humor

bee in one's bonnet

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humor

verb

Synonyms & Antonyms of humor (Entry 2 of 2)

to give in to (a desire)

humored her grandfather by listening to his war stories for the hundredth time

Synonyms for humor

Words Related to humor

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Frequently Asked Questions About humor

How does the noun humor differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of humor are irony, repartee, sarcasm, satire, and wit. While all these words mean "a mode of expression intended to arouse amusement," humor implies an ability to perceive the ludicrous, the comical, and the absurd in human life and to express these usually without bitterness.

a sense of humor

When could irony be used to replace humor?

While in some cases nearly identical to humor, irony applies to a manner of expression in which the intended meaning is the opposite of what is seemingly expressed.

the irony of the title

When might repartee be a better fit than humor?

The words repartee and humor can be used in similar contexts, but repartee implies the power of answering quickly, pointedly, or wittily.

a dinner guest noted for repartee

Where would sarcasm be a reasonable alternative to humor?

Although the words sarcasm and humor have much in common, sarcasm applies to expression frequently in the form of irony that is intended to cut or wound.

given to heartless sarcasm

In what contexts can satire take the place of humor?

The synonyms satire and humor are sometimes interchangeable, but satire applies to writing that exposes or ridicules conduct, doctrines, or institutions either by direct criticism or more often through irony, parody, or caricature.

a satire on the Congress

When can wit be used instead of humor?

The meanings of wit and humor largely overlap; however, wit suggests the power to evoke laughter by remarks showing verbal felicity or ingenuity and swift perception especially of the incongruous.

a playful wit

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