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Synonym Chooser

How does the noun wit differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of wit are humor, irony, repartee, sarcasm, and satire. While all these words mean "a mode of expression intended to arouse amusement," wit suggests the power to evoke laughter by remarks showing verbal felicity or ingenuity and swift perception especially of the incongruous.

a playful wit

When would humor be a good substitute for wit?

The words humor and wit are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, humor implies an ability to perceive the ludicrous, the comical, and the absurd in human life and to express these usually without bitterness.

a sense of humor

When could irony be used to replace wit?

The meanings of irony and wit largely overlap; however, irony applies to a manner of expression in which the intended meaning is the opposite of what is seemingly expressed.

the irony of the title

In what contexts can repartee take the place of wit?

In some situations, the words repartee and wit are roughly equivalent. However, repartee implies the power of answering quickly, pointedly, or wittily.

a dinner guest noted for repartee

Where would sarcasm be a reasonable alternative to wit?

The synonyms sarcasm and wit are sometimes interchangeable, but sarcasm applies to expression frequently in the form of irony that is intended to cut or wound.

given to heartless sarcasm

When can satire be used instead of wit?

The words satire and wit can be used in similar contexts, but satire applies to writing that exposes or ridicules conduct, doctrines, or institutions either by direct criticism or more often through irony, parody, or caricature.

a satire on the Congress

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 wit In the days since his death, Simoncic’s colleagues and friends have shared stories about his quick wit and selfless nature, which ultimately led him to a career in law enforcement. Kansas City Star, 3 Sep. 2025 Except in the case of commissions like Michelle Obama or Breonna Taylor, her models are strangers chosen for their poise, style, or wit. Okla Jones, Essence, 3 Sep. 2025 The film centers on Thooya, an aspiring actor who leverages beauty and wit to survive in the city, occasionally trading intimacy for opportunity. Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 2 Sep. 2025 Angeria is a Perfect Fit With her charm, polish from her years in the Atlanta pageant scene, quick wit, and heartfelt moments that shine through episode after episode, fans already trust her perspective. Braedon Montgomery, Forbes.com, 31 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for wit
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wit
Noun
  • Stand-up comedian Ken Flores died in January at the age of 28 as a result of cocaine toxicity.
    Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 6 Sep. 2025
  • All were gathered for comedian and actor Mike Epps' second annual free community concert at Washington Park — an event focused on supporting the positive impacts of art and culture on mental health and well-being, especially in the Black community.
    Jade Jackson, IndyStar, 6 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The difference is the wisdom to recognize that giving away public-trust land and diminishing our quality of life forsakes the permanent greater good for the temporary benefit of a few developers and residents.
    U T Readers, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Sep. 2025
  • The newlyweds' parents also shared words of wisdom.
    Ashlyn Robinette, PEOPLE, 7 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • When travelers think of luxurious travel, buses aren't necessarily top of mind.
    Opheli Garcia Lawler, Travel + Leisure, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Lonely nights and a racing mind spiraled him into a deep depression.
    Alec Lewis, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Would any self-respecting show really risk insulting the viewer’s intelligence so flagrantly?
    Graham Hillard, The Washington Examiner, 5 Sep. 2025
  • Tariff anxieties continue to weigh on family office deal-making, which sunk in August by nearly 50% on a year-over-year basis, according to the private wealth intelligence platform.
    Hayley Cuccinello, CNBC, 4 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Kahani’s work is of a piece with that of bigger-name compatriots like Jafar Panahi and Mohammad Rasoulof in its protest against the Iranian government, though his droll-to-devastating approach is very much his own.
    Guy Lodge, Variety, 21 Aug. 2025
  • Brian Doyle-Murray, the older brother of Bill, stars in Caddyshack as the droll Lou Loomis, manager of the caddies.
    Randall Colburn, EW.com, 25 July 2025
Noun
  • This was a chance for Biden to take the high road, to toe the fiscal line and display financial prudence.
    Boston Herald editorial staff, Boston Herald, 31 Aug. 2025
  • The scene serves as a powerful example of prudence, which is often misunderstood, as the team faces the challenging decision of how to save and manage the energy needed to bring the module back.
    Mary Crossan, Forbes.com, 16 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Time for the Nuggets to steer this narrative back to sanity.
    Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 5 Sep. 2025
  • Amid a raging wildfire, a mother’s search for her son’s plushie becomes a desperate fight to preserve his childhood innocence and her own dwindling sanity.
    Kirsten Chuba, HollywoodReporter, 3 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • But planning a trip that appeals to every age group often requires careful thought and expert insight.
    Travel + Leisure Editors, Travel + Leisure, 9 Sep. 2025
  • The adorable video has brought both laughter and some interesting insights into animal behavior from commenters.
    Maria Morava, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Wit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wit. Accessed 11 Sep. 2025.

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