Synonyms of witty

witty

adjective

ˈwi-tē 

as in humorous

given to or marked by mature intelligent humor

a witty and sardonic blogger who never fails to amuse his legion of readers

he's well-known for his witty retorts

Synonyms & Similar Words

• humorous
• clever
• funny
• playful
• amusing
• smart
• jocular
• facetious
• joking
• mischievous
• comical
• entertaining
• comic
• cerebral
• ridiculous
• hysterical
• intellectual
• droll
• teasing
• highbrow
• frivolous
• laughing
• merry
• jovial
• uproarious
• riotous
• ludicrous
• farcical
• jolly
• rollicking
• mirthful
• whimsical
• antic
• jocose
• flippant
• laughable
• bantering
• screaming
• jesting
• risible
• waggish
• sidesplitting
• sparkling
• sunny
• joshing
• prankish
• highbrowed
• flip
• diverting
• jocund
• scintillating
• pert
• smart-alecky
• smart-aleck

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• stupid
• witless
• brainless
• lame
• lowbrow
• corny
• hackneyed
• serious
• humorless
• unfunny
• earnest
• solemn
• somber
• hackney
• sober
• sombre
• serious-minded
• unamusing
• grave
• plaintive
• doleful
• tearful
• dolorous
• sorry
• lachrymose
• woeful
• uncomic

Synonym Chooser

How is the word witty distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of witty are facetious, humorous, jocose, and jocular. While all these words mean "provoking or intended to provoke laughter," witty suggests cleverness and quickness of mind.

a witty remark

When would facetious be a good substitute for witty?

The words facetious and witty can be used in similar contexts, but facetious stresses a desire to produce laughter and may be derogatory in implying dubious or ill-timed attempts at wit or humor.

facetious comments

When might humorous be a better fit than witty?

The words humorous and witty are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, humorous applies broadly to anything that evokes usually genial laughter and may contrast with witty in suggesting whimsicality or eccentricity.

humorous anecdotes

How do jocose and facetious relate to one another, in the sense of witty?

Jocose is somewhat less derogatory than facetious in suggesting habitual waggishness or playfulness.

jocose proposals

When is it sensible to use jocular instead of witty?

The meanings of jocular and witty largely overlap; however, jocular implies a usually habitual fondness for jesting and joking.

a jocular fellow

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of witty

To boot, Princess Bride is graced with a kingdom full of witty and breezy lines. —Duane Byrge, HollywoodReporter, 25 Sep. 2025

Inspired by conversations that are witty, passionate and impactful — the dancers will use body language to express ideas and emotions that resonate beyond words. —Marcia Luttrell, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Sep. 2025

The sketch features Colbert making bold declarations about popular news topics while witty jokes are quietly displayed on the graphic beside him. —Emlyn Travis, Entertainment Weekly, 19 Sep. 2025

Leeves had roles on Seinfeld, Murphy Brown and Throb before joining Frasier as patriarch Martin's witty live-in caretaker — and eventually Niles' wife. —Kate Hogan, PEOPLE, 16 Sep. 2025