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humor

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verb

as in to cater (to)
to give in to (a desire) humored her grandfather by listening to his war stories for the hundredth time

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

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

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 humor
Noun
Kirk's assassination is the most high-profile example yet of what extremism researchers at the NCRI see as an increasingly dangerous normalization of political violence—often masked as satire, rebellion, or dark humor online. Jesus Mesa, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Sep. 2025 The text is meant to illustrate (with humor) just how powerless some parents feel during the weaning process. Elisabeth Sherman, Parents, 11 Sep. 2025
Verb
Insiders say DiCaprio worked the room like a pro — posing for selfies and humoring FaceTime calls from starstruck daughters. Richard Johnson, New York Daily News, 29 June 2025 Who else will stage Chris Fleming’s plays, or humor Pete Holmes’s dad jokes, or let Lauren Cook call in a bit? Bethy Squires, Vulture, 13 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for humor
Recent Examples of Synonyms for humor
Noun
  • Advertisement Despite his predominance in the comedy sector, the Emmys presented a high-stakes challenge for an entertainer in the midst of a big push to escape that box.
    Judy Berman, Time, 15 Sep. 2025
  • The Studio Ends Big Night With Record Wins Seth Rogen closed out a huge night for Apple TV+’s The Studio, which won best comedy.
    Toni Fitzgerald, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Judges Derek Hough and Bruno Tonioli were joined in spirit by Carrie Ann Inaba, who missed the premiere due to illness.
    Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Sep. 2025
  • In the spirit of functionality and the chair’s utilitarian history, brass buckles secure both the leather back and seat.
    Elissa Suh, Architectural Digest, 17 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • At the end of each task, Davies awards points based on performance and his own whims, and the winner at the end of each series gets a trophy shaped like Davies’s head.
    Matthew Jackson, Vulture, 11 Sep. 2025
  • Historically linked to meditation and traditional Japanese dining culture, today’s iterations are all about modern living needs that suit every whim—lounging while binging on the White Lotus reruns, creating a reading nook, or simply losing oneself in texts at the end of the day.
    Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 10 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Other critics have pointed to some of Carr’s old tweets to highlight the irony of his position on Kimmel today.
    Chad de Guzman, Time, 18 Sep. 2025
  • The irony, of course, is hard to miss.
    Andy Meek, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Developer Arrowhead has characterized the game as a satire.
    Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 12 Sep. 2025
  • What Castro depicts, in pointillist satire, is the way someone on the inside might come to agree.
    Jeremy Gordon, The Atlantic, 12 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The night was ruined by her boyfriend's bad mood.
    Maria Morava, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Sep. 2025
  • Should the mood strike for a soirée fit for a king, the home’s living room and conservatory can easily accommodate 200 for a cocktail party.
    Madeline Weinfield, Architectural Digest, 17 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Allium These ornamental onions (Allium) add color and whimsy to the spring garden with their tall, globe-like blooms.
    Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 17 Sep. 2025
  • Director Kogonada, who previously guided Farrell in After Yang, is going for alternate melancholy and whimsy, an uneven blend of introspective drama and high-concept fantasy that feels a bit lost in translation and doesn’t quite work the way it was intended.
    Pete Hammond, Deadline, 16 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Or indulge with a Steak Plate of grass-fed tri-tip and veggies — or a Mango Goat Cheese or Tri-Tip salad.
    Michael Deeds, Idaho Statesman, 9 Sep. 2025
  • The invention of soft serve ice cream around the 1930s really helped stadium goers indulge all that more, opening the opportunity for unique vessels to carry the creation.
    Tim Newcomb, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Humor.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/humor. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.

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