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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 The film centers on American psychiatrist Douglas Kelley (Rami Malek), who is tasked with determining whether Nazi prisoners are fit to stand trial for their atrocities and finds himself in a complex battle of wits with former Reichsmarschall Hermann Göring (Russell Crowe), Hitler’s right-hand man. Christian Blauvelt, IndieWire, 30 Sep. 2025 Nothing filled a room like his smile and quick wit. Chris Ramirez, jsonline.com, 29 Sep. 2025 In fact, early reviews have consistently brought up the film's humor and wit, and that feedback has also made its way to the cast. Lauren Huff, Entertainment Weekly, 26 Sep. 2025 The album also holds moments of his signature wit and humor. Jessica Nicholson, Billboard, 26 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for wit
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wit
Noun
  • Global organization Human Rights Watch accused the festival of diverting attention away from allegations of the government’s severe repression of free speech and criticized comedians for performing on the behest of an oppressive regime.
    Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 4 Oct. 2025
  • The comedian and podcast host performed a stand-up set at the Beacon Theater in New York on Saturday, and attendees reported that a large chunk of the audience walked out during an apparently tumultuous set.
    Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 3 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Red Mass is a Catholic Mass that celebrates the start of the judicial year and offers prayers for wisdom, counsel, and fortitude for judges, lawyers and public officials.
    Stephen Sorace, FOXNews.com, 5 Oct. 2025
  • The Rock channels his old trash-talking persona and adds some sage wisdom for a couple of British youngsters (Florence Pugh and Jack Lowden) wanting advice on how to break into the wrestling business.
    Brian Truitt, USA Today, 4 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Whether the Jedi mind trick played a role Sunday is hard to quantify, but the message was obvious.
    Nick Kosmider, New York Times, 6 Oct. 2025
  • But housing was also on the minds of the organizers.
    Ashley Hiruko, ProPublica, 6 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The festival also falls during the seventh anniversary of the assassination of Washington Post columnist and Saudi dissident Jamal Khashoggi, which a US intelligence report says happened at the behest of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
    Liam Reilly, CNN Money, 2 Oct. 2025
  • The office of the director of national intelligence is expected to make an announcement on the Havana Syndrome investigation soon, two sources told the Herald.
    Nora Gamez Torres, Miami Herald, 2 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Her droll yet touching quest for motherhood mirrors the messy compromises and silent struggles of human lives.
    Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 23 Sep. 2025
  • An often droll world, for a moment revealing its contrasts, its irregularities, and suddenly becoming very much alive.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 3 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Additionally, a boom-and-bust cycle in the early 2000s informs some of the company’s prudence on expansion.
    Zev Fima, CNBC, 19 Sep. 2025
  • Meanwhile, Taiwan’s military should exercise prudence in its rules of engagement and not assume that every close call is intentional.
    JOEL WUTHNOW, Foreign Affairs, 12 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Apple AirTag Not a weight-saver, but a sanity-saver if you’re forced to check your bag at the gate.
    Kelsey Glennon, Travel + Leisure, 29 Sep. 2025
  • After being wrongfully imprisoned in a mental asylum, an author is faced with a decision to surrender to insanity or fight for her sanity.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 23 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • During the Premier League season, The Athletic’s Newcastle United subscribers can ask our writers covering the club for their views and insight into what’s happening at St James’ Park.
    Chris Waugh, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025
  • The team grounds its legal decisions in case-specific insight, thorough preparation, and a clear strategy to stay ahead of opposing counsel.
    Malana VanTyler, USA Today, 6 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Wit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wit. Accessed 9 Oct. 2025.

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