as in joke
something said or done to cause laughter
the senator deftly inserted some smart one-liners into an otherwise sober speech
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of one-liner
Williams was the king of the one-liners, hurling insults that made headlines and made Cunningham fume.
—
Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 16 Aug. 2025
And Mike Nappi is a hoot as Beau’s brother Peanut, who’s something like one of Shakespeare’s wise fool, spinning out truth-telling one-liners all night long.
—Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Aug. 2025
Harry's sense of humor and ability to give zesty one-liners connect him with the Mercurial sign, which has a flair for sarcasm, pranks, jokes and communication.
—Lisa Stardust, People.com, 8 Aug. 2025
With its multicar collision of one-liners, sight gags, pratfalls, running jokes, bathroom humor, and surrealist absurdity, The Naked Gun is, in fact, a reboot — even if its original ’80s- and ’90s-era IP carries a low recognition factor with younger viewers.
—Chris Lee, Vulture, 4 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for one-liner
Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 16 Aug. 2025
And Mike Nappi is a hoot as Beau’s brother Peanut, who’s something like one of Shakespeare’s wise fool, spinning out truth-telling one-liners all night long.
—Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Aug. 2025
Harry's sense of humor and ability to give zesty one-liners connect him with the Mercurial sign, which has a flair for sarcasm, pranks, jokes and communication.
—Lisa Stardust, People.com, 8 Aug. 2025
With its multicar collision of one-liners, sight gags, pratfalls, running jokes, bathroom humor, and surrealist absurdity, The Naked Gun is, in fact, a reboot — even if its original ’80s- and ’90s-era IP carries a low recognition factor with younger viewers.
—Chris Lee, Vulture, 4 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for one-liner
Recent Examples of Synonyms for one-liner
Noun
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Related Stories Farrelly thinks that kind of oppressive political correctness is fading and that audiences are eager to see movies that eviscerate good taste in order to land a joke again.—
Brent Lang,
Variety,
5 Sep. 2025
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What started as a joke soon turned into a tourism draw that put Lajitas on the map.—
Tiffani Jackson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
5 Sep. 2025
Noun
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However, if you're pressed for time, check out the shorts Mike's New Car (2001) and Party Central (2014) for some quick laughs.—
Sydni Ellis,
PEOPLE,
7 Sep. 2025
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Her voice has been sharp, sometimes saucy, and could be silken — then let out a bell-ringing laugh.—
Scott Simon,
NPR,
6 Sep. 2025
Noun
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When Peanut pulled his second escape act, his owners knew where to look and handled Peanut's disappearance in a joking manner.—
Michael Nied,
People.com,
2 Sep. 2025
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Multiple outlets that examined the reporting identified the claim as unverified and labeled the story a hoax; Colbert had previously made a joking on-air reference to streaming platforms but had not announced any deal with Netflix.—
Megan Cartwright,
MSNBC Newsweek,
1 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Discontent is brimming with witticisms and scathing observations about our modern-day malaise.—
Julia Hass,
Literary Hub,
2 Sep. 2025
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Would an untalented man be able to compose the following satirical witticism?—
Anthony Robledo,
USA Today,
1 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“One-liner.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/one-liner. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.
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