Thesaurus results for ONE-LINER

one-liner

noun

ˌwən-ˈlī-nər

Definition of one-liner

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

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 one-liner Like many presidents, his one-liners were often meant to defuse crises. — John Blumenthal, Chicago Tribune, 16 Aug. 2026 And with never-ending layoffs, dystopian mergers, and Hollywood as a production desert, ’26 didn’t lend itself to snappy one-liners. — Dana Harris-Bridson, IndieWire, 7 Aug. 2026 Awards shows for comedians are often glorified roasts with lots of zingers and one-liners. — Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 24 July 2026 The Beale Street-sampling trunk rattler is bright-eyed and fulgent, full of Kell’s catchy ass one-liners that stick because of her unique drawl. — Olivier Lafontant, Pitchfork, 16 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for one-liner

Recent Examples of Synonyms for one-liner

Noun

In their new home, the past clings to Everton; restless, a bad joke, craving more, loud, glorious.

— George Caulkin, New York Times, 7 Sep. 2026
The vice president warned during the event that her threat was not a joke.

— ABC News, ABC News, 5 Sep. 2026

Definition of joke

Noun

When Jenn and Emily return, Shannon tries to cut the tension by talking about jarred pizza sauce (the only real laugh-out-loud moment of the episode), but there’s no salvaging this night.

— Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 11 Sep. 2026
Here, she’s matured as a well-rounded comedienne who can pull the stops for subtle approaches to laughs, and though the mugging is still evident, it’s only used for propitious moments.

— Hank Grant, HollywoodReporter, 11 Sep. 2026

Definition of laugh

Noun

Indeed, at lunch, instead of separating into groups to eat, all 16 participants form one mega table and spend the half-hour joking and laughing together.

— Ellise Shafer, Variety, 31 Aug. 2026
Many readers — some likely joking — shared their grievances with Elmo.

— Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of joking

Browse Nearby Words

oneiromancy

one-liner

one-liners

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Style

“One-liner.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/one-liner. Accessed 13 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of one-liner

noun

Example Sentences

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