as in humor
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Recent Examples of wordplay
The song itself features high-energy beats and Rocky's classic wordplay.
—
Daniela Avila, PEOPLE, 13 Jan. 2026
Many of her jokes relied heavily on wordplay, like one about how the Rock might win a Globe because The Paper wasn’t nominated, but even sweaty double entendres like this landed well because Glaser moved on so quickly that there was no time for groans.
—Hershal Pandya, Vulture, 13 Jan. 2026
The verbiage is full of great wordplay and wit, just like a Larry Hart song.
—Damon Wise, Deadline, 9 Jan. 2026
Readers who savor wordplay as much as suspense should look up this clever mystery.
—Ron Charles, CBS News, 28 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for wordplay
Daniela Avila, PEOPLE, 13 Jan. 2026
Many of her jokes relied heavily on wordplay, like one about how the Rock might win a Globe because The Paper wasn’t nominated, but even sweaty double entendres like this landed well because Glaser moved on so quickly that there was no time for groans.
—Hershal Pandya, Vulture, 13 Jan. 2026
The verbiage is full of great wordplay and wit, just like a Larry Hart song.
—Damon Wise, Deadline, 9 Jan. 2026
Readers who savor wordplay as much as suspense should look up this clever mystery.
—Ron Charles, CBS News, 28 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for wordplay
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wordplay
Noun
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In those early days, Zelensky’s uncanny capacity for survival and humor encapsulated the defiant mood of the country.—
Ivana Kottasová,
CNN Money,
20 Feb. 2026
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Over time, the concept of resistance evolved into a broader identity, one rooted in challenging industry rigidity with humor and approachability.—
Lyssanoel Frater,
USA Today,
19 Feb. 2026
Noun
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The film invites viewers to experience the rhythm, drama, and intimacy of life at the edge of the world, revealing that in the coldest corners of the earth one finds the warmest people, brimming with wit, resilience, and generosity.—
Matthew Carey,
Deadline,
17 Feb. 2026
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Her collection of speculative essays, Stranger Faces, a 2020 National Book Critics Circle criticism finalist, showcases her wry wit and wide range of cultural interests, from Derrida to Keanu Reeves.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
17 Feb. 2026
Noun
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In Entertainment Weekly's exclusive first look at Daniels' first appearance in the Apple TV comedy, Jimmy and Randy sit at the dinner table, where Jimmy is served a healthy helping of parental ribbing.—
Ashley Boucher,
Entertainment Weekly,
10 Feb. 2026
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The friendly ribbing is rooted in respect.—
Dane Mizutani,
Twin Cities,
10 Feb. 2026
Noun
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In his verse, Bad Bunny directly addresses the chats, calling attention to Rosselló’s mocking of the dead from Hurricane María and his rampant homophobia.—
Julyssa Lopez,
Rolling Stone,
26 Jan. 2026
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With a mocking appreciation for her overbearing family and caustic wit for her younger self, Yajia warmly works from the thesis that kids are extraordinarily weird, scary, and kind-of-dumb creatures who really don’t know any better.—
Brian Boone,
Vulture,
12 Dec. 2025
Noun
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Here’s what winning a National Championship taught me about B2B sales 🏆 (kidding…kinda) 1.—
Greg Rosenstein,
NBC news,
22 Jan. 2026
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Just kidding, Kim’s is a real and rational response, but Natalie is not having it.—
Brian Moylan,
Vulture,
31 Dec. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Wordplay.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wordplay. Accessed 22 Feb. 2026.
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