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

Heckerling's 1995 film, a loose adaptation of Jane Austen's witty novel of young love, Emma, centers on Silverstone's sunny, good-hearted, yet at times slightly daft heroine. —Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 17 Apr. 2025

In her signature fashion, Guillory has again provided us with a novel heavy on the laughs, witty banter, and steamy love scenes. —Mariette Williams, Essence, 15 Apr. 2025

Sally Rooney Rooney’s moving, witty and whip-smart millennial fiction has struck a resonant chord with readers worldwide. —Marc Weingarten, Los Angeles Times, 14 Apr. 2025

The aim was for the campaign to be witty, topical, and nod to two key cultural conversations: the widespread issue of poor sleep and the cultural fascination with dupes. —Emma Sandler, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025