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

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 witty Its witty writing and quirky characters have aged well, telling the story of Dave Lister (Craig Charles), a lazy, curry-loving technician and the last human being alive. Jeff Spry, Space.com, 24 Aug. 2025 The narrative subtly emerges from witty smart and believable human interactions, directed with youthful energy and supported by vivid cinematography. Diana Lodderhose, Deadline, 23 Aug. 2025 His personality is so unique, and not just the headgear, but being witty and sharp. Christopher Kamrani, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2025 Harrison’s spare, witty script invites audiences to reflect on the ways one preserve legacies and confronts loss. Dave Quinn, People.com, 21 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for witty
Recent Examples of Synonyms for witty
Adjective
  • TikTok users flooded the comments with emotional and humorous reactions.
    Lydia Patrick, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Sep. 2025
  • One humorous video created by comedian Jon Lajoie depicts Jesus sparring with the Easter Bunny in a podcast.
    Geoff Brumfiel, NPR, 7 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • This can be read as a clever knock on some of the mockumentary-format comedies that followed The Office, often — ahem, Modern Family — failing to provide any actual reason for the doc-style shooting and talking-head interviews.
    Jesse Hassenger, Vulture, 5 Sep. 2025
  • But poems are cleverer than the people who write them.
    Leila Chatti September 5, Literary Hub, 5 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Witty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/witty. Accessed 11 Sep. 2025.

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