as in solemn
not joking or playful in mood or manner
humorless people who can't see the lighter side of life
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of humorless
Credit perhaps goes to Belew’s fellowship with Zappa, or Fripp’s growing resistance to being pegged as some humorless tyrant.
—
Sam Sodomsky,
Pitchfork,
11 Jan. 2026
Funny novels are invariably more serious than humorless ones.
—
Rosa Lyster,
Harpers Magazine,
30 Dec. 2025
In Prime 4, Samus is humorless, simply nodding along while others try their best at second-rate comedy.
—
Christopher Cruz,
Rolling Stone,
2 Dec. 2025
The woman’s gray hair, her sunglasses, her sharp nose, her soft chin, and her utterly humorless expression contrasted with the almost cartoonish proportion of her political expression.
—
Literary Hub,
14 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for humorless
Sam Sodomsky,
Pitchfork,
11 Jan. 2026
Funny novels are invariably more serious than humorless ones.
—
Rosa Lyster,
Harpers Magazine,
30 Dec. 2025
In Prime 4, Samus is humorless, simply nodding along while others try their best at second-rate comedy.
—
Christopher Cruz,
Rolling Stone,
2 Dec. 2025
The woman’s gray hair, her sunglasses, her sharp nose, her soft chin, and her utterly humorless expression contrasted with the almost cartoonish proportion of her political expression.
—
Literary Hub,
14 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for humorless
Recent Examples of Synonyms for humorless
Adjective
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To be fair, abducted 9-year-old Rainy is pretty cute, with solemn eyebrows and a conscience that continually puts her in peril.
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The once-rising developer’s solemn promise is not likely to be fulfilled if court records in his federal criminal case and a parallel Securities and Exchange Commission lawsuit are any indication.
Adjective
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What Research Shows About Cancer in Dogs While there is no evidence that turkey tail shrinks tumors, the mushroom has drawn real scientific interest as a complementary therapy for serious illness.
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The new guidance was heavily criticized by health groups, which argued the decision could sow confusion and leave children vulnerable to serious disease.
Adjective
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Judges have to throw the book at those arrested to teach them a stern lesson.
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However, for students graduating right now, Hammer can't really summon up anything stern to say.
Adjective
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In the clip, Josie has a serious, unsmiling expression, which created a humorous contrast with the celebratory scene around her.
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Real, unsmiling, circa-1400 Vikings like Eric the Red and Hagar the Horrible.
Adjective
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The school was a dream for a few years, with families talking about the idea, but the actual planning began in earnest last year.
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The result is an earnest tribute to Nicks’ vulnerability, resilience and artistry.
Cite this Entry
“Humorless.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/humorless. Accessed 28 Jun. 2026.
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