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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 With typical candor and wit, Febos chronicles her transformative period of celibacy while also engaging with the history of brilliant women who sought solitude and found a deeper engagement with themselves. Literary Hub june 2, Literary Hub, 2 June 2025 This warm workplace almost-sitcom has the same wit and kindly character rapport that makes Gavin & Stacey so rewatchable. Declan Gallagher, EW.com, 1 June 2025 In fact, research has found that some animal species may indeed use wit to strengthen their bonds in the same way that many have the capacity for love, fear, sorrow, guilt, anger, shame, disgust and empathy – and that primates smile and some rats can giggle. Cecilia Rodriguez, Forbes.com, 27 May 2025 Director Vanessa Stallings’ entertaining and breezy staging brims with razor-sharp wit, physical comedy and pop-out visual surprises. Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for wit
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wit
Noun
  • The ranking also includes Adam Waheed, known online as comedian Adam W, who pulls in more than 1 billion views on social platforms each month.
    Megan Poinski, Forbes.com, 18 June 2025
  • For one thing, the father and two of the older brothers of future late-night talk-show host and comedian Stephen Colbert were killed in the crash.
    Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 18 June 2025
Noun
  • Some are quick to point out that graduation rate may not be the best number to judge the success of a community college or even the wisdom of enrolling.
    Michael B. Horn, Forbes.com, 18 June 2025
  • Mihir Bose wrote the definitive book The Nine Waves: The Extraordinary Story of How India Took Over World Cricket in 2019 and disagrees with the wisdom of that Indian takeover.
    Paul Newman, New York Times, 18 June 2025
Noun
  • Adaptation keeps you top of mind when budgets tighten.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025
  • Making pictures is what our minds do naturally with the fragments of our experience.
    Adam Gopnik, New Yorker, 9 June 2025
Noun
  • An official with the Office of the Director of National Intelligence told ABC News that Gabbard has been working closely with Trump, Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and other national security officials to share regular intelligence updates.
    Ivan Pereira, ABC News, 17 June 2025
  • Israel’s attempt to achieve these highly ambitious goals with an air campaign and sophisticated intelligence networks, but without the deployment of a ground army, has no modern precedent.
    Robert A. Pape, Foreign Affairs, 17 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
  • Waugh: Fundamentally, Newcastle want to significantly bolster Howe’s squad while maintaining financial prudence.
    Chris Waugh, New York Times, 12 June 2025
  • The path forward will necessitate not only compassion but also prudence—and a firm grasp of the limits of what even a generous nation can achieve.
    Andy J. Semotiuk, Forbes.com, 29 May 2025
Noun
  • Video games also play an important role in preserving my mental sanity.
    Nic Juarez, Vulture, 12 June 2025
  • The goal: to restore your serenity — and perhaps even your sanity.
    Christopher Elliott, Forbes.com, 8 June 2025
Noun
  • Often, this insight arose in conversation with other women, in consciousness-raising groups.
    Dayna Tortorici, New Yorker, 9 June 2025
  • The executive met with Variety ahead of the event to discuss his insights into the Kingdom’s growing role in the global animation market, Manga Productions’ distribution strategy and how homegrown talent is being nurtured through national training programs and international collaborations.
    Jamie Lang, Variety, 9 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Wit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wit. Accessed 22 Jun. 2025.

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