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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
Judge's humor and storytelling is to thank for that. Kilty Cleary, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Sep. 2025 Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter ahead of TIFF, Cox and Cumming opened up about playing against type, returning to Scotland, and finding the humor and heart in a story about brotherly love. Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 4 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
  • This 2023 crime comedy also stars Poorna Jagannathan, Richard Kind, Lil Rel Howery and more.
    Emy LaCroix, PEOPLE, 8 Sep. 2025
  • The 2008 comedy became one of Rogen's most beloved features and has since been talked about for years regarding a sequel.
    CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 7 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • In that spirit, the exhibition resists the expectation that women and non-binary artists must define themselves in contrast to a male norm.
    Caterina De Biasio, Vogue, 11 Sep. 2025
  • The spirit of his work, which earned him a humanism in medicine scholarship in medical school, is what prompted him to call Sutton-Schulman.
    Duaa Eldeib, ProPublica, 10 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • These were not just silly geographical whims, Jessica Winter pointed out at the time.
    The New Yorker, New Yorker, 5 Sep. 2025
  • The Fed’s independence has been central to the United States’ role as the globe’s preeminent economic power; investors worldwide believe the central bank won’t act on a president’s whims.
    Jackie Calmes, Mercury News, 30 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • The irony is that, after a tough couple of decades, the package holiday sector had recaptured the imagination of investors once more.
    Ian King, CNBC, 10 Sep. 2025
  • New York, as might be expected, has led the industry, although the irony is that the number of restaurants extant in New York has been more or less the same for most of the 21stcentury––about 28,000 eateries, including traditional restaurants, cafés, food trucks and bars that serve food.
    John Mariani, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Shot on a real-life lavish Utah estate, Mountainhead is another modern satire from Succession creator Jesse Armstrong — who reunited with that HBO drama’s composer Nicholas Britell for more unforgettable music.
    Jack Smart, PEOPLE, 7 Sep. 2025
  • Comedian John Early’s directorial debut, ostensibly a pastiche of basic-cable TV movies, is not a parody, or a satire, or even a comedy.
    Sam Bodrojan, IndieWire, 7 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Perfectly roomy with a bit of effortless slouch for a relaxed feel, the Balance Bucket is available in both black and brown suede, plus black leather, to complement every mood and lifestyle.
    Kristina Rutkowski, Vogue, 10 Sep. 2025
  • Wrought-iron bed frames and de-silvered mirrors play into the mood of a seaside inn.
    Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 10 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • In The Girlfriend, the truth is malleable, open to change based on our biases, judgments, whimsies, and desires.
    Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 10 Sep. 2025
  • Then come the florals—lush, romantic, full of whimsy—before the icons land with striking confidence, like the bold centerpiece of the board.
    Allure Editors, Allure, 10 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Yes, perhaps firms run by alums will be willing to indulge a few interested faculty from their alma mater.
    Shivaram Rajgopal, Forbes.com, 6 Sep. 2025
  • At one point Wednesday, the judge indulged their request to meet with Adelson and the attorneys at a side bar out of the public’s earshot.
    Lauren del Valle, CNN Money, 6 Sep. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Humor.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/humor. Accessed 12 Sep. 2025.

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