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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
  • Our strength comes from funny stories and serious ones, too.
    Cheryl Robinson, Forbes.com, 8 May 2025
  • Six actors bring to life dozens of eccentric characters and clever suspects in this diabolically funny comic mystery, according to a news release.
    Ut Community Press, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 May 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 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
  • 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
Adjective
  • Instant Spa Shower Gift Box: $55 Turn mom’s shower into a spa-like experience with this clever gift set from UncommonGood.
    Nora Colomer may earn a commission if you buy through our referral links. This content was created by a team that works independently from the Fox newsroom., FOXNews.com, 3 May 2025
  • Pretending to love the enemy, spurred on by her real love, the romantic plot provides the film’s clever, titillating energy.
    Paul Vidich, People.com, 2 May 2025
Adjective
  • Rannells, who reprises his role as Stephanie's friend Darren, made headlines when promoting Another Simple Favor with an amusing dodge to a question hinting at Lively's legal dramas.
    Randall Colburn, EW.com, 1 May 2025
  • Braun cannot say the same for his amusing role in an instant classic Nuggets moment.
    Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 29 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
  • The show, which first premiered in 2015, has crossed the ocean in recent years to become a word-of-mouth hit, with fans drawn to its comic hijinks and nonsensical premise.
    David Sims, The Atlantic, 8 May 2025
  • As a newer comic, Bargatze had doubts about his future as a clean standup.
    Erin Jensen, USA Today, 7 May 2025
Adjective
  • Photo : Jason Wells/Golden Gate Creative The courtyard is ideal for alfresco lounging and entertaining.
    Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 2 May 2025
  • As chaotic and entertaining as the transfer portal is, keeping star-caliber pieces in college is vital to building a truly elite team.
    Jim Root, New York Times, 2 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Humorous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/humorous. Accessed 12 May. 2025.

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