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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 That’s a recognition that is very satisfying and also very humorous later on. Literary Hub, 17 July 2025 Max's heartfelt and humorous speech has since gone viral with over 255,000 likes. Maria Morava, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 July 2025 The story is riveting, heartbreaking and darkly humorous, and Reva, who was born in Ukraine, pulls off the neat meta trick of inserting herself into the story without losing her compelling narrative thrust. Connie Ogle, Boston Herald, 10 July 2025 Keke Palmer is known for being relatable, humorous, and possessing candor. Lynnette Nicholas, Essence, 7 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for humorous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for humorous
Adjective
  • His voice is too funny, too smart and too important to go quietly into the night.
    Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 19 July 2025
  • But a funny thing happened on the way to this flexible-rate nirvana.
    Brian Domitrovic, Forbes.com, 19 July 2025
Adjective
  • This breezy placement thrives on intellectual stimulation, witty banter and an array of options.
    Valerie Mesa, People.com, 23 July 2025
  • Wee-hours talk shows have for decades operated on the premise that the hosts served as gentle entertainers who could help audiences go off to sleep after some light banter, witty conversation and a few celebrity encounters.
    Brian Steinberg, Variety, 18 July 2025
Adjective
  • The film also gave Lerman a chance to flex comedic muscles rarely seen in his more stoic roles.
    Seija Rankin, HollywoodReporter, 25 July 2025
  • Kelce is among the athletes who will appear in the second iteration of the comedic golf film.
    Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 24 July 2025
Adjective
  • Olympia’s ex-husband, Julian (Jason Ritter), the son of the firm’s head (Beau Bridges), is intrigued by Matty and her clever skills.
    Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 15 July 2025
  • The bar is a buzzy and boozy affair from 5 to 6 p.m. daily, where guests and locals gather in a ritualistic ceremony to visit and try some of the clever cocktails (like the Tropical Storm and Drunken Pimento) for which Ooshan has become known.
    Paula Conway, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
Adjective
  • The scene was more amusing than threatening — onlookers whipped out cell phone cameras to document the sight of horses traversing the grounds.
    Jim Newton, Mercury News, 12 July 2025
  • For two-thirds of the day, as the peloton rolled through Brittany, the majority of soundbites ranged from frivolous to downright amusing.
    Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 12 July 2025
Adjective
  • In the first movie, Weathers’ character met a comical demise (by falling out of a window after Happy surprised him with the body of the alligator who bit off his hand) and later made an appearance from heaven.
    Jack Smart, People.com, 17 July 2025
  • Despite the fact that the name for mecha in this setting is the obviously comical wanzer, its influences are very clearly from mecha anime such as Armored Trooper VOTOMS.
    Ollie Barder, Forbes.com, 12 July 2025
Adjective
  • Will fans be able to meet George Lucas at San Diego Comic-Con? San Diego Comic-Con, unlike other comic conventions, does not host meet-and-greet experiences.
    Greta Cross, USA Today, 19 July 2025
  • Mason is a stand-up comic Pryor's youngest son is a stand-up comic, just like his dad.
    Julie Tremaine, People.com, 13 July 2025
Adjective
  • Over the past year, the entertaining expert’s wardrobe has received no shortage of heart eyes from me — her gold sandals, leopard print bag, and crochet sweater are just a few examples.
    Jamie Allison Sanders, People.com, 25 July 2025
  • The main level flows with intent: a gracious foyer and generous living room overlook the gardens, while a refined kitchen — complete with a butler’s pantry — anchors the space for effortless entertaining. Upstairs, three bedrooms offer surprising scale, with ample closet space and natural light.
    Miriam Schwartz, Boston Herald, 24 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Humorous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/humorous. Accessed 30 Jul. 2025.

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