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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 But it can be viewed through a humorous, educational lens. Daniel McFadin, Arkansas Online, 11 May 2025 Douglas is beguiling enough with her humorous, spunky performance, and MacCormac capably keeps up with her; Will Sasso and Kevin Durand are welcome supporting players as a few of the oddly aggressive town elders. Katie Walsh, Twin Cities, 9 May 2025 During the scene, Peck's character shares a darkly humorous story inside an armored military vehicle. Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 May 2025 Similarly simple but endearing slice of life details bring humorous depth to their depiction of the ordinary parts of married life within the series. Yvonne Villarreal, Los Angeles Times, 1 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for humorous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for humorous
Adjective
  • Because to us, the most funny things are right next to the most tragic things.
    Lorraine Ali, Los Angeles Times, 31 May 2025
  • There are enough quotable lines of dialogue in the movie’s first half to remind you why Succession was, pound for pound, one of the most profanely funny shows on TV during its run.
    David Fear, Rolling Stone, 31 May 2025
Adjective
  • This time around, Lilo and Nani’s Ohana is expanded to her witty and wise neighbor Tūtū (Amy Hill), an original character, and Nani’s easygoing crush David (Kaipo Dudoit), who is retconned here as Tūtū’s grandson.
    Destiny Jackson, Deadline, 23 May 2025
  • Life, death, crime, kitsch, nostalgia, immigrant aspirations and witty design — all of these elements converge in the world of motels, which didn’t exist before 1925.
    Christopher Reynolds, Los Angeles Times, 15 May 2025
Adjective
  • But of course, a past-his-prime comedic superstar wasn’t going to be the one to end Cena’s record-breaking 17th world title reign, no matter how bad Cena’s run as a heel has been thus far.
    Blake Oestriecher, Forbes.com, 25 May 2025
  • Those moments helped solidify Oblivion as an unintended comedic masterpiece.
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 22 May 2025
Adjective
  • The 76 gasoline brand, after all, evokes the patriotism of 1776 — a clever marketing ploy.
    Sammy Roth, Los Angeles Times, 29 May 2025
  • Charlie Davis Season: 46 Placed: 2nd If Q was the hurricane blowing through Survivor 46, Davis was a source of calm geniality at the center, constantly quoting Taylor Swift songs while obscuring his careful, clever gameplay.
    Ben Rosenstock, Time, 29 May 2025
Adjective
  • While there is something amusing about the sight of a bear climbing in like a person hitching a ride, the aftermath of a bear finding its way into your car is rarely a laughing matter.
    Jack Beresford, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 May 2025
  • The vibrant 90-minute play that kicked off La Jolla Playhouse’s 2025-26 season on Thursday night, is filled with funny lines, dancing, amusing characters and the joyful celebration of life.
    Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 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
  • Arngrim is also an author, stand-up comic, podcaster, and cooking show host.
    Meredith Wilshere, People.com, 31 May 2025
  • No surprise here, but Deborah is not, in fact, dead, but the terrible obit’s claim — that Deborah killed the Late Night franchise — is more enough to shock the comic out of her funk.
    Nick Caruso, TVLine, 29 May 2025
Adjective
  • The second floor serves as the main entertaining space.
    Tori Latham, Robb Report, 27 May 2025
  • Sanders competing for time on the field will also be extremely entertaining.
    Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Humorous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/humorous. Accessed 5 Jun. 2025.

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