humor 1 of 2

Definition of humornext
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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
With his typically unpredictable humor, Neil put a photo of the Jones Beach mess on the cover of his excellent new live album, As Time Explodes. Rob Sheffield, Rolling Stone, 25 June 2026 There’s loneliness, pain and self-destruction in her binge drinking, humor that comes in her wild and free dancing, and irreverence in hanging with her beloved super-pup Krypto. Brian Truitt, USA Today, 25 June 2026
Verb
The actor then humored the crowd with an impression of the old Hollywood mogul recounting his pursuits of a beautiful woman in the Paramount commissary. Andrew McGowan, Variety, 16 Aug. 2025 Colum scoffs at her offer, claiming that their father only humored Ellen. Lincee Ray Published, EW.com, 15 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for humor
Recent Examples of Synonyms for humor
Noun
  • The specific irony of something like an Hermès HAC being categorized as hyperfeminine is that the bag was created in the late 19th century as a carryall for horse riding equipment, much like the rest of the brand’s offerings at the time.
    Teddy Brown, CNN Money, 30 June 2026
  • The irony is that in not trying to pass muster with more conservative theatergoers (and their fastidious institutional guardians), playwrights have been winning over not just critics but also formerly squeamish artistic directors and perennially nervous Broadway producers.
    Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 29 June 2026
Noun
  • The two first crossed paths on André's Adult Swim late-night talk show comedy series The Eric André Show in 2020.
    Raven Brunner, PEOPLE, 23 June 2026
  • In the latest installment of the comedy franchise, written by Chris Hazzard and Mike Fontana, Nick faces his biggest challenge yet… grandkids.
    Glenn Garner, Deadline, 22 June 2026
Noun
  • The loss threatened the summer learning session, but on Sunday, the community stepped up at an impromptu fundraiser that raised spirits and funds.
    John Ramos, CBS News, 29 June 2026
  • Of course, there are other categories to consider, like rye, wheat, and malt whiskey, but none of them are nearly as popular as America’s native spirit.
    Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 28 June 2026
Noun
  • The butler service goes above and beyond, catering to your whims including in-room dining (available 24 hours a day for butler suite guests) dropping off bug spray to the room, organizing your clothes into the closet upon arrival, and will even pick you up for dinner in style.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 June 2026
  • Britain has experienced major blows to investment and productivity, a historic surge in annual net migration, and—shorn of the diplomatic heft of a united Europe and subject to the whims of a bullying Trump—a geopolitical humbling.
    Ishaan Tharoor, New Yorker, 25 June 2026
Verb
  • Onboard, guests can indulge at eight different restaurants, ranging in style from Pan-Asian and French to poolside pizza and a steakhouse.
    Megan duBois, Southern Living, 25 June 2026
  • Chris is a freelance journalist who, when not writing, skywatching, playing games or building Lego, indulges his taste for horror, sci-fi and the post-apocalyptic.
    Chris McMullen, Space.com, 24 June 2026
Noun
  • Returning to the director’s chair 11 years after drug-cartel drama 600 Miles, Gabriel Ripstein keeps things zipping along in an entertaining satire which, once again, highlights the rottenness at international football’s core.
    Jon O'Brien, Vulture, 26 June 2026
  • Born in 1942 in California, the actor's acting career began in high school on a variety show satire of Gunsmoke, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
    Tereza Shkurtaj, PEOPLE, 24 June 2026
Noun
  • The throngs of teenagers doing back flips into the Canal Saint-Martin and playing soccer in the street set the mood for the week.
    Julissa James, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026
  • Persistent fatigue despite adequate sleep, dizziness, breathlessness, brain fog, low mood, brittle nails, hair fall, feeling unusually cold, and changes in skin quality all signal low ferritin levels.
    Tatiana Dias, Vogue, 30 June 2026
Noun
  • Plus, the shed kit comes with flower boxes and shutters for even more whimsy.
    Shea Simmons, Southern Living, 29 June 2026
  • Consider sourcing a fun light shape that ties into your outdoor décor scheme or adds a bit of whimsy to your space.
    Wendy Rose Gould, Martha Stewart, 29 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Humor.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/humor. Accessed 1 Jul. 2026.

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