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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
  • That’s not to say the film isn’t funny or sweet, but that there is something much more profound and uncomfortable at its heart, and one that poses a tricky challenge for first-time filmmakers Johansson and Kamen.
    Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 20 May 2025
  • His translation recognizes, here and throughout, that the original is funny and compelling enough not to need elaborate explanation, even 60 years after its debut.
    Lily Meyer, The Dial, 20 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
  • The film’s participants are witty, cracking jokes about on-set mics and one another.
    Alissa Wilkinson, New York 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
  • For apartment dwellers and people who prefer not to dangle midair, this clever contraption looks like a window-cleaning game changer.
    The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 May 2025
  • The story centers on 16-year-old Haymitch (Joseph Zada), a clever and resourceful boy from District 12, who’s unexpectedly chosen for this edition of the games, which will feature a deadly twist: twice the number of tributes, with 48 children sent into the arena to battle for their lives.
    Matt Grobar, Deadline, 16 May 2025
Adjective
  • Although the result is certainly amusing, the Darth Vader creation has also been spotted making some potentially controversial comments using Jones’ voice.
    Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 16 May 2025
  • The sketch has a great ending stinger and is very amusing throughout.
    Rosa Escandon, Forbes.com, 4 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
  • This aspect of the comic hits home today, when many of the world’s pressing problems, climate crisis chief among them, are ones that prior generations have kicked down the line rather than addressing.
    Lily Meyer, The Dial, 20 May 2025
  • And the character will lean into her comic talents.
    Nick Romano, EW.com, 20 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 30 May. 2025.

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