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Synonym Chooser

How is the word humorous distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of humorous are facetious, jocose, jocular, and witty. While all these words mean "provoking or intended to provoke laughter," humorous applies broadly to anything that evokes usually genial laughter and may contrast with witty in suggesting whimsicality or eccentricity.

humorous anecdotes

In what contexts can facetious take the place of humorous?

While the synonyms facetious and humorous are close in meaning, facetious stresses a desire to produce laughter and may be derogatory in implying dubious or ill-timed attempts at wit or humor.

facetious comments

How are the words jocose and facetious related as synonyms of humorous?

Jocose is somewhat less derogatory than facetious in suggesting habitual waggishness or playfulness.

jocose proposals

When might jocular be a better fit than humorous?

The synonyms jocular and humorous are sometimes interchangeable, but jocular implies a usually habitual fondness for jesting and joking.

a jocular fellow

When is witty a more appropriate choice than humorous?

Although the words witty and humorous have much in common, witty suggests cleverness and quickness of mind.

a witty remark

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 humorous Camp is this aesthetic of ironic juxtaposition, taking something that might be shocking in its incongruity, and then using it to create a cool or humorous effect. Sam Reed, Glamour, 15 Apr. 2025 Admirers of Ono’s work may also wonder why the documentary includes so many, often humorous phone calls in which Lennon-Ono associates talk about wrangling houseflies for an uncompleted art project. Manohla Dargis, New York Times, 10 Apr. 2025 This was particularly true in the case of the studio’s ability to weave humorous and emotional storytelling with best-in-class action. Matt Donnelly, Variety, 3 Apr. 2025 Early implementations have experienced technical glitches, such as those occasionally seen in MLB's 3D broadcasts, which sometimes led to humorous but unintended visual effects. Kurt Knutsson, Cyberguy Report, FOXNews.com, 17 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for humorous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for humorous
Adjective
  • What’s funny about that is that Alexander appears to have some Leonard Williams to his game.
    Charlotte Carroll, New York Times, 26 Apr. 2025
  • What started out curious is going to curiouser — funny, violent and wild.
    Tom Gliatto, People.com, 25 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Put all those elements together, and the show remained fun and witty and insightful despite all of its darkness because viewers never got attached to any one character.
    Judy Berman, Time, 24 Apr. 2025
  • Deborah botches the presser that follows by refusing to respond to ageist, sexist questions with witty banter — a totally foreseeable scenario that Ava anticipated and prepared for, but Deborah tossed Ava’s jokes in the trash.
    Jessica M. Goldstein, Vulture, 11 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • In the sequel to A Simple Favor, Lively returns as Emily Nelson alongside Anna Kendrick’s Stephanie Smothers in the comedic thriller, which premiered at South by Southwest on March 7.
    Angel Saunders, People.com, 2 May 2025
  • In the series, Cassandra is slightly younger than her counterpart in the book, and that partly had to do with Hawes, whose dramatic and comedic abilities were crucial to the role.
    Maira Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 2 May 2025
Adjective
  • The clever exploration of contrasts — marrying delicate fabrics, soft palettes, and masculine silhouettes — was the label’s unique formula for winning over fashion’s insiders, including powerhouse Moda Operandi.
    Angela Lei, Forbes.com, 23 Apr. 2025
  • The film follows 11-year-old Caroline (Johnson), a clever, sharp-eyed girl navigating a life of excitement and peril as a shoplifter with her mom Jocelyn (Williams).
    Matt Grobar, Deadline, 22 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Also amusing is Fiona Glascott as Lady Violet, an old acquaintance of Sherlock’s who specializes officially in schooling young ladies like Clara to join British high society and unofficially in casting her imperious judgment everywhere.
    Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 15 Apr. 2025
  • And while the vision of Young, a vigorous 70 in his trademark schoolboy shorts, tie, crew socks and black shoes, is always amusing, there was nothing but serious respect for his finger-blistering playing.
    Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 11 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Yet, beyond the almost comical disclosures, one of the least memorable lines was also the most enlightening — and highlights why, despite Howe being absent for a fortnight after contracting pneumonia, Tindall has been able to seamlessly step up and take charge of first-team matters in his absence.
    Chris Waugh, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2025
  • This comical scene, shared to TikTok (@nikkisndsn), has racked up more than 4.7 million views in just three days (April 20).
    Ross Rosenfeld, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Connecticut productions of this comic drama are special because the film starred Connecticut icon Katharine Hepburn.
    Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 26 Apr. 2025
  • Gilroy’s dark wit has been used sparingly in Andor, but the sniping in between the disorganized sorta-rebels is a comic highlight.
    Jesse Hassenger, Vulture, 23 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Instead, Stratton has noticeably regressed as WWE Women’s Champion after a very entertaining run as Ms. Money in the Bank.
    Blake Oestriecher, Forbes.com, 19 Apr. 2025
  • Beautiful glassware/barware and accessories for a table or entertaining space are still strong sellers.
    Maggie Gillette, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Humorous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/humorous. Accessed 5 May. 2025.

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