Definition of humorousnext
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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 If this is meant to be humorous, the joke is lost on me. Letters To The Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 15 Jan. 2026 He is known for darkly humorous and unsettling work addressing themes of trauma, social friction, and freedom. News Desk, Artforum, 14 Jan. 2026 On the other hand, many see the skit as a humorous portrayal of the common actions of pastors in today’s mega churches. Christine Imarenezor, VIBE.com, 13 Jan. 2026 The new teaser starts off serious and somber, much like the past trailers for Captain America, Thor and the X-Men, but then has a humorous moment when the Thing (Ebon Moss-Bachrach) introduces himself to M’Baku (Winston Duke). Jordan Moreau, Variety, 13 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for humorous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for humorous
Adjective
  • His sharp, funny, and unexpectedly comforting voice makes the book a joy to read and turns what could feel grim into something liberating.
    Jasna Hodžić, Big Think, 29 Jan. 2026
  • Roy Keane is clearly a very funny character who everyone is scared of… Then Jamie Carragher and Gary Neville are just absolutely filled with football.
    Tim Spiers, New York Times, 28 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Blind Summit is a famously witty British theater company, led for more than 25 years by artistic director Mark Down, a famed and much-loved teacher of his craft as well as a performer who becomes at one with his tools, so to speak.
    Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 27 Jan. 2026
  • The film, with Jones’ witty script and Aramayo’s standout performance, is an unmissable delight.
    Baz Bamigboye, Deadline, 27 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • For the remainder of the final season, Penny Marshall was paired with rotating guest stars for a series of comedic misadventures.
    Marc Berman, Forbes.com, 27 Jan. 2026
  • He was generally regarded as a comedic giant, and why not?
    Rick Kogan, Chicago Tribune, 27 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Affordability will not be solved by a sweeping law or one clever cap.
    J.D. Hayworth, Boston Herald, 24 Jan. 2026
  • Not in your opening line or your clever hook.
    Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 24 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • The mainframe cycle has returned, which is both remarkable and somewhat amusing in 2026.
    Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026
  • Danish star Bang seems to having a grand time playing the I-want-it-all villain of the piece and is amusing to watch.
    Pete Hammond, Deadline, 26 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • All those irreverent celebrations and comical soliloquies left no shortage of options.
    Jared Weiss, New York Times, 11 Jan. 2026
  • That sense of place goes a long way in immersing you into J1’s world, whether the tone is deadly serious or lightly comical.
    Alphonse Pierre, Pitchfork, 9 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • The film certainly earns its MPA R rating with graphic violence that carries a rather nasty tone at times and can sit a little uncomfortably alongside the film’s comic and family drama elements.
    Richard Kuipers, Variety, 26 Jan. 2026
  • As wonderful as Wilde is in what’s easily one of her best roles, the equally fearless Hoffman matches her every step of the way, with sly comic timing and poignant vulnerability as Elliot wrestles with anger, humiliation and confusion over what could be lust or love, in spite of everything.
    David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 24 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Chelsea Green is perhaps the most entertaining star in all of WWE, but she’s been largely booked as a comedy character on the main roster.
    Blake Oestriecher, Forbes.com, 26 Jan. 2026
  • Although this Prime Video offering proves a lot more entertaining than the Chris Pratt starrer Mercy that was just released in theaters.
    Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 26 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Humorous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/humorous. Accessed 1 Feb. 2026.

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