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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
By designing brand experiences around moments of humor, comfort, happiness and peace, marketing and communication leaders can create a brand experience that resonates with their audience and drives lasting customer loyalty. Anthony Conversa, Forbes.com, 14 May 2025 Premiering Tuesday, May 20, the show redefines traditional news delivery by blending political insight, cultural critique, and unapologetic humor—crafted for a generation that demands both truth and authenticity. Okla Jones, Essence, 14 May 2025
Verb
Superstars know when they’re being humored. Bruce Tulgan, Forbes, 18 Oct. 2024 There's the twangy Ratliff family − Timothy (Jason Isaacs), Victoria (Parker Posey), Saxon (Patrick Schwarzenegger), Piper (Sarah Catherine Hook) and Lachlan (Sam Nivola) − a North Carolinian dynasty humoring their daughter's interest in Buddhism. Kelly Lawler, USA TODAY, 17 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for humor
Recent Examples of Synonyms for humor
Noun
  • Download it now for the most binge-worthy celeb content, exclusive video clips, astrology updates and more! Murphy, who played new kid Tai in the iconic 1995 teen comedy, died in 2009 at the age of 32.
    Toria Sheffield, People.com, 18 May 2025
  • So, as much as some critics may still want to shade the show, SNL remains one of the most powerful brands in comedy.
    Eric Deggans, NPR, 18 May 2025
Noun
  • This workaround defeats the spirit of the deferral rules.
    Andre Pennington, Forbes.com, 21 May 2025
  • These lowball glasses give a fashionable look to an old-fashioned or a splash of any spirit.
    Adam Campbell-Schmitt, Bon Appetit Magazine, 20 May 2025
Noun
  • Nations with central banks that move interest rates at the whim of politicians tend to have inflation spikes and other economic troubles, experts have noted.
    Anne Marie D. Lee, CBS News, 8 May 2025
  • Individuals are stripped of their dignity and sorted according to the whims of the social justice plan.
    The Editorial Board, Oc Register, 8 May 2025
Noun
  • That is, of course, the irony, since those smaller markets are the very ones that PBS was intended to serve when it was created.
    Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes.com, 8 May 2025
  • American humor can often be more brash than British comedy, which is cloaked in irony and self-deprecation.
    David Sims, The Atlantic, 8 May 2025
Noun
  • Oscar Contenders Emerging From First Half Include 'Nouvelle Vague' and Jennifer Lawrence for 'Die My Love' Adding to that pressure, most of the guest stars showed up to the first season of the Hollywood satire to play themselves under heightened circumstances.
    Mikey O'Connell, HollywoodReporter, 21 May 2025
  • Featuring David Carradine and Sylvester Stallone, the film stabs at political satire but is best enjoyed for its visceral campy pleasures.
    James Mercadante, EW.com, 20 May 2025
Noun
  • The endorphins lifted my mood, and the physical challenge inspired me to rework my diet and make healthier choices.
    Brandi Watterson, Forbes.com, 21 May 2025
  • And his aesthetic keeps pace with Brendan Mills’ excellent editing, in changing mood from the jittery, quick-cut, handheld first half to a steadier, more contemplative last act as Lu’s treks across the boroughs become longer and slower and exhaustion begins to set in.
    Jessica Kiang, Variety, 21 May 2025
Noun
  • Add some whimsy to your outdoors with a miniature village.
    Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 May 2025
  • Set-pieces that utilize original pop songs written by Bogart’s brother Evan Kidd Bogart and Justin Gray fail to inspire whimsy, imagination or awe-inducing delight.
    Courtney Howard, Variety, 8 May 2025
Verb
  • Parents can unwind with cocktails poolside or indulge at the spa while little ones immerse themselves in the SoBe Kids Club, designed for ages four to 12.
    Katie Lara, Forbes.com, 13 May 2025
  • The Santa Monica pad existed mainly as the ultimate clubhouse, a place where Jimmy and a dozen or so regulars could indulge their obsession with padel.
    David T. Friendly, Air Mail, 10 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Humor.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/humor. Accessed 25 May. 2025.

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