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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 But McIlroy kept his wits about him, and as DeChambeau faltered on the ensuing holes, McIlroy carded birdies on the third and fourth holes to regain a three-stroke lead. Jacob Lev, CNN Money, 13 Apr. 2025 Plus there’s enough wit and fun in all that back and forth that the conversations do engage you on their own. David Fear, Rolling Stone, 12 Apr. 2025 The Duke and Duchess of Windsor ordered pieces that were full of personality and wit. Hikmat Mohammed, Footwear News, 10 Apr. 2025 Comments Million Dollar Secret finalists take on laser beams, sewing needles, and a battle of wits. Jillian Sederholm, EW.com, 9 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for wit
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wit
Noun
  • Louis-Dreyfus and her mother went to family therapy as adults When the comedian was 60 and Judith was 87, the two went to therapy together.
    Julie Tremaine, People.com, 1 May 2025
  • The comedian spoke out while hosting a gala in tribute to Duke Ellington at New York's Jazz at the Lincoln Center on April 30 and got a laugh from Alec Baldwin and Joy Reid, who were in the audience.
    Jack Royston, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 May 2025
Noun
  • However, an additional layer of wisdom has significantly enriched my perspective: Stoicism.
    Davide Sartini, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025
  • The wisdom distilled in those lines, Brook personally handed over to a younger generation.
    Ron Grossman, Chicago Tribune, 1 May 2025
Noun
  • Trust in Trump’s economy slips, new poll finds Many Americans voted with their wallets front of mind during the 2024 presidential election.
    Rebecca Morin, USA Today, 24 Apr. 2025
  • The real culprit, in the West Wing’s mind, remains Powell.
    Philip Elliott, Time, 23 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • His work rate, versatility and football intelligence — regardless of who plays in front of or behind him — are invaluable as the squad gradually understands Amorim’s tactical demands.
    Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 30 Apr. 2025
  • For example, digital intelligence can infer customer perceptions through non-survey channels such as online interactions.
    Forrester, Forbes.com, 30 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Bailey, deft and playful, chooses to be his own antic, a droll and often hostile jester.
    Helen Shaw, New Yorker, 17 Apr. 2025
  • The echoes are both poignant and droll: This is village culture, gabbing and drinking culture, with a genetic affinity for the absurd and a veneer of wry resignation atop a volcanic bedrock of existential turmoil.
    Sara Holdren, Vulture, 18 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • He’s now deemed heroic in adhering to the Seven Virtues -- faith, hope, charity, prudence, justice, fortitude, and temperance.
    Brian T. Allen, National Review, 24 Apr. 2025
  • There is a fine line between prudence and penny-pinching.
    Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 23 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Thomas pleads for his sanity in his paranoid whispers, his voice twisting and flopping like a fish on a line.
    Rob Sheffield, Rolling Stone, 25 Apr. 2025
  • Your business will reach new levels of excellence while protecting your team and your sanity.
    Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Traders will look to speeches by several Fed officials later this week, hoping for insights into future monetary policy amid the concerns about the central bank's independence.
    Brijesh Patel, USA Today, 23 Apr. 2025
  • All of these qualities of a manuscript can provide insight into the person who made it.
    The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 22 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Wit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wit. Accessed 4 May. 2025.

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