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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 Cooper gets considerable humorous mileage out of his goofy stoner role, starting with a guffaw-inducing pratfall entrance involving an exploding carton of oat milk. David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 10 Oct. 2025 In a bold and humorous nod to one of the most famous moments of his career, the NBA icon has announced his decision to partner with Hennessy as his go-to spirits brand, unveiling the partnership in a commercial that playfully recreates the tone and style of his 2010 ESPN special, The Decision. Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 7 Oct. 2025 Of course not, but that’s the whole point of the humorous commercial. Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 6 Oct. 2025 The video serves as a humorous response and a technical showcase following the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)’s humanoid robot demonstration. Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 6 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for humorous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for humorous
Adjective
  • His writing is lavishly detailed and sharply intelligent, nuanced and lyrical but also funny and sometimes surreal.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 16 Oct. 2025
  • The dudes-rock montage that followed the execution sketch had some genuinely funny bits.
    T. M. Brown, New Yorker, 15 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Its blend of Korean folklore, witty humor, and irresistibly infectious pop songs has cemented it as an instant classic.
    Kara Nesvig, Parents, 17 Oct. 2025
  • She’s perhaps best known as playing the witty, independent, and fiercely loyal friend and business woman Samantha Jones.
    Alexa Mikhail, Flow Space, 16 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Miles himself has gotten increasingly popular in the the last few years for his comedic approach to rap.
    Mackenzie Cummings-Grady, Billboard, 20 Oct. 2025
  • Misconstrued by many as something akin to an extended Henny Youngman routine, Portnoy’s Complaint more closely resembled, according to Albert Goldman, the comedic world of adolescent Roth and his buddies, with its audacity, ferocity, originality, and sheer fecundity.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 20 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The magnetic phone holder was so simple yet so clever.
    Anita Katee, Travel + Leisure, 18 Oct. 2025
  • Through draping, Yin created volumes and shapes as if they were achieved via padding, but in fact were just clever patterns.
    Denni Hu, Footwear News, 17 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Judging by the amusing premiere episode, there is some potential to the motley crew of this government service.
    Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 11 Oct. 2025
  • The other twist is that Noelle is addicted to a podcast (performed by Adwa Alasiri) that dishes out both true crime stories and helpful makeup tips, an amusing combination of gloss and gore.
    Jordan Mintzer, HollywoodReporter, 7 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • What follows is a series of comical misadventures—navigating checkpoints, ruining a wedding, and even car theft—all in a desperate race to get the dove to a beauty pageant in Jerusalem.
    Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 17 Oct. 2025
  • Tiramisu is having a moment, and people are finding all sorts of creative, sometimes comical, ways to enjoy it.
    Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • While interviewing Jimmy Fallon for the cover story in our MIPCOM print issue, Stewart had the smarts to ask the late-night host and SNL alum about how British comic talents should approach the show if they are hired.
    Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 17 Oct. 2025
  • Good Fortune has its good-enough qualities apart from the Matrix star, especially give how light its comic touch is.
    David Fear, Rolling Stone, 17 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • During their coffee chat, moderated by Broma Bakery founder, Sarah Fennel, the two discussed their debut cookbook, Party People, and all of their top entertaining advice.
    Halee Miller Van Ryswyk, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 Oct. 2025
  • Photo booth There is a reason why photo booths complete with entertaining props and various backdrops are so popular.
    Metro Creative Services, Boston Herald, 19 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Humorous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/humorous. Accessed 22 Oct. 2025.

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