LAUGHTER Synonyms: 36 Similar and Opposite Words

laughter

noun

ˈlaf-tər

Definition of laughter

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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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 Those long evenings provoked tears of laughter, sometimes sorrow, and occasionally both in the course of a meal. — Thomas Chatterton Williams, The Atlantic, 11 July 2026 Physical comedy and razor-sharp wit collide in this carnival of theatrical surprises — a masterful blend of classic French farce and contemporary slapstick that will leave audiences breathless with laughter, the news release states. — News Release, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 July 2026 Genuine smiles and laughter Don't read too much into an initial polite smile. — Jeff Haden, CNBC, 9 July 2026 Cataplexy is common in people with Type 1 narcolepsy and can be triggered by strong emotions such as laughter, excitement, surprise or anger. — Daryl Austin, USA Today, 8 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for laughter

Recent Examples of Synonyms for laughter

Noun

And while most of the film is unrelentingly grim, its few stabs at dark humor — most notably the punchlines about the grandmother’s faulty memory — didn’t garner a chuckle from me.

— Angelica Jade Bastién, Vulture, 10 July 2026
There was a point in Patrick Paul’s ascension last season where his smirk, his hearty chuckles irritated, if not frustrated his opponents to the point of anger.

— Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 26 June 2026

Definition of chuckle

Noun

Resplendent in a dark top and flowered scarves, Jackie has his hair ratted out, creating a kind of nimbus around his poignant, ready-to-laugh face, which is powdered white, with shiny, metallic-looking paillettes around the eyes.

— Hilton Als, New Yorker, 17 July 2026
The dialogue, meanwhile, is played hilariously straight — good luck finding a laugh among these uncharted stars — and often consists of someone shouting another character's name.

— Richard Edwards, Space.com, 17 July 2026

Definition of laugh

Browse Nearby Words

laughs off

laughter

laughters

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“Laughter.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/laughter. Accessed 22 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of laughter

noun

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