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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 While some fans responded with skepticism, others were tickled by her humorous post. Sam Gillette, People.com, 25 Apr. 2025 There were humorous moments amid the writers’ accounts of tragedy. Rebecca Plevin, Los Angeles Times, 26 Apr. 2025 When the slasher eventually appears, stealing the group’s car before murdering them with a humorous bluntness, there is also a real atmosphere of dread. Lovia Gyarkye, HollywoodReporter, 24 Apr. 2025 Despite the girls’ best efforts to maintain some sense of normalcy, a humorous moment did emerge from this chaotic saga when a next-door friend decided to visit. Tereza Shkurtaj, People.com, 19 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for humorous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for humorous
Adjective
  • That’s not to say the film isn’t funny or sweet, but that there is something much more profound and uncomfortable at its heart, and one that poses a tricky challenge for first-time filmmakers Johansson and Kamen.
    Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 20 May 2025
  • His translation recognizes, here and throughout, that the original is funny and compelling enough not to need elaborate explanation, even 60 years after its debut.
    Lily Meyer, The Dial, 20 May 2025
Adjective
  • Around this time, the outfit’s quirky, lightly rumbustious songs began to resonate across British press and radio; accessible while containing a marked dose of strangeness, Fontaine’s songwriting – at once emotionally raw and witty – boasted a strong multi-generational appeal.
    Sophie Williams, Billboard, 8 May 2025
  • Comments Margaret Qualley and Chris Evans, the stars of the upcoming movie Honey Don't!, have plenty of witty banter and action in the trailer released Wednesday.
    Raechal Shewfelt, EW.com, 7 May 2025
Adjective
  • The darkly comedic production kicks off Sept. 15 and runs through Nov. 8.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 14 May 2025
  • Berry wasn’t having it—and handled it with comedic finesse.
    Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 13 May 2025
Adjective
  • For apartment dwellers and people who prefer not to dangle midair, this clever contraption looks like a window-cleaning game changer.
    The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 May 2025
  • The story centers on 16-year-old Haymitch (Joseph Zada), a clever and resourceful boy from District 12, who’s unexpectedly chosen for this edition of the games, which will feature a deadly twist: twice the number of tributes, with 48 children sent into the arena to battle for their lives.
    Matt Grobar, Deadline, 16 May 2025
Adjective
  • Although the result is certainly amusing, the Darth Vader creation has also been spotted making some potentially controversial comments using Jones’ voice.
    Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 16 May 2025
  • The sketch has a great ending stinger and is very amusing throughout.
    Rosa Escandon, Forbes.com, 4 May 2025
Adjective
  • Her lessons are comical and their related excursions endearing: Santa Monica shares tips about different positions and offers pointers on incorporating toys.
    Lovia Gyarkye, HollywoodReporter, 8 May 2025
  • His Best Friend Still Shows Up Every Week to Watch Their Show Together (Exclusive) Noah had garbage day shirts and garbage toys, all of which were comical to Carrigan, as her husband, Noah's father, is a fireman.
    Meredith Wilshere, People.com, 4 May 2025
Adjective
  • And the character will lean into her comic talents.
    Nick Romano, EW.com, 20 May 2025
  • This aspect of the comic hits home today, when many of the world’s pressing problems, climate crisis chief among them, are ones that prior generations have kicked down the line rather than addressing.
    Lily Meyer, The Dial, 20 May 2025
Adjective
  • That being said, the evening was certainly entertaining, with musical performances by Ballet Folklorico Quetzalcoati and Paramount School of the Arts.
    Denise Crosby, Chicago Tribune, 14 May 2025
  • Photo : Zach Brown/Atlas Imagery A brick patio off the rear of the house is ideal for alfresco entertaining.
    Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 14 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

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

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