laughter

Definition of laughternext
as in chuckle
an explosive sound that is a sign of amusement the nervous producers were reassured by the sounds of laughter coming from the theater

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 laughter Padilla’s physical comedy shifted the sketch into a different stratosphere; Marshall and Rodrigo barely stifled their laughter as Beverly tried to wrestle the cardigan onto Duncan’s chest. Paula Mejía, The Atlantic, 3 May 2026 Join us for a warm, welcoming gathering filled with meaningful chats, laughter, and connection. Kris Slugg, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 May 2026 What happens next cannot be spoiled, only experienced, with startled laughter. Bethanne Patrick, Los Angeles Times, 1 May 2026 The space pulses with Afro-beats and laughter. Carrie Honaker, Bon Appetit Magazine, 1 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for laughter
Recent Examples of Synonyms for laughter
Noun
  • The image of an officer peering into the empty driver’s seat of the offending vehicle may have been good for a chuckle, but other incidents have been no laughing matter.
    Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 1 May 2026
  • After a chuckle, someone asked what the doctor’s diagnosis had been.
    Rebecca Edmisten, Mercury News, 22 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The first tinkling notes mimicked the pre‑concert bell that ushered the audience to their seats—an unusual start that elicited a giggle from the crowd.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 6 May 2026
  • Their antics made Huntington Beach a national laughingstock — but Gates and his pals so far have had the last giggle.
    Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 9 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • There are moments when Lily feels lost and anxious, and another scene where a panicked sheep knocks over furniture, although that is played for laughs.
    Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 8 May 2026
  • Even Gawker’s star investigative reporter Adrian Chen, whose exposé of the dark web marketplace Silk Road was a huge scoop, could generate laughs.
    Frank DiGiacomo, HollywoodReporter, 8 May 2026
Noun
  • The dialogue is overladen with snicker-worthy cliches, a swelling, melodramatic soundtrack that doesn’t match the mood, dubious cameos and plastic, perfunctory life-affirming quotes.
    Randy Myers, Mercury News, 11 Mar. 2026
  • The event also had free opportunities to take photos, get ice cream snickers and have earned a Super Bowl post card.
    Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado Updated February 5, Sacbee.com, 5 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Laughter.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/laughter. Accessed 11 May. 2026.

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