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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 And there’s an intriguing romance between Nancy and Hamish (James Musgrave), a slightly effete soldier whose lack of commitment, and indeed libido, suggests her taste in men might not be as sharp as her wit. Jon O'Brien, IndieWire, 17 June 2025 Surely, Mike McDermott has all the traits of an old-school baseball coach, from his emphasis on fundamentals, the energy belying his years, the sharp, dry wit and slew of superstitions. Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 15 June 2025 With his signature blend of lo-fi aesthetics and sharp, high-concept wit, Reece delivers another visionary exploration of Oklahoma and a darkly comic meditation on the fractured American soul. Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 5 June 2025 Black Bag succeeds on its style and chilly wit, and on the cool, nervy appeal of its two stars. Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 4 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for wit
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wit
Noun
  • As Pride Month 2025 comes to a close, a new couple just took to Instagram to make their relationship official: movie star Elliot Page and Overcompensating actor and comedian Julia Shiplett.
    Elizabeth Logan, Glamour, 30 June 2025
  • The legendary actor, director, comedian and producer, who turns 99 on June 28, 2025, kicked off his career in comedy by helping fellow funnyman Sid Caesar with hisYour Show of Shows.
    Alex Apatoff, People.com, 28 June 2025
Noun
  • As the demographic crisis begins to take hold of the Western world, leaders will ignore the wisdom of wisdom at their own peril.
    Dan Pontefract, Forbes.com, 28 June 2025
  • But crazy times actually demand wisdom and perspective.
    DP Opinion, Denver Post, 26 June 2025
Noun
  • In a rare, bipartisan meeting of the minds, at least on this issue.
    CBS News, CBS News, 22 June 2025
  • And all of the brilliant military minds involved in this attack.
    Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 22 June 2025
Noun
  • In an interview with Sunday Morning Futures with Maria Bartiromo, Bartiromo brought up a Truth Social post from Trump saying Democrats had leaked intelligence around the Iran strike, to which the president interjected that they should be prosecuted.
    Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 29 June 2025
  • This is embodied intelligence – the idea that some elements of cognition can be outsourced to the body.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 29 June 2025
Noun
  • There’s some droll humor in this pileup of bad decisions and bad behavior — particularly in one running gag that sees Carey doggedly befriending Ashley’s parade of exes, including one hilariously gormless f-boy played by drawling ensemble standout Charlie Gillespie.
    Guy Lodge, Variety, 19 May 2025
  • Among the latter was John Bainbridge, an author of deadpan, droll Profiles and reported pieces.
    Mark Singer, New Yorker, 18 May 2025
Noun
  • In all negotiations, prudence cannot be sacrificed.
    Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 18 June 2025
  • Waugh: Fundamentally, Newcastle want to significantly bolster Howe’s squad while maintaining financial prudence.
    Chris Waugh, New York Times, 12 June 2025
Noun
  • The Supreme Court's rejection of that request is a refreshing—and desperately needed—return to sanity.
    Kristen Waggoner, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 June 2025
  • The film grounds its story in Spike’s desire to save his mother at any cost—including, perhaps, his own sanity in a world hostile to innocence and tenderness.
    Shirley Li, The Atlantic, 24 June 2025
Noun
  • In the meantime, Trump must pay attention to the insights provided by rival camps in his MAGA universe: the isolationism of Steve Bannon and Tucker Carlson versus the interventionism of Mark Levin and Laura Loomer.
    David Remnick, New Yorker, 21 June 2025
  • Mann recently took to TikTok to share insight into the experience, striking a chord with athletes and dreamers alike.
    Tereza Shkurtaj, People.com, 21 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Wit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wit. Accessed 5 Jul. 2025.

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