wordplay

noun

Definition of wordplaynext
as in humor

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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 wordplay Layered within the show’s heartfelt humor is also sophisticated wordplay and cultural references. — Liz Regalia, Parents, 23 June 2026 The collection’s balance between playfulness and restraint reminds me of Oh’s wordplay in the collection. — Literary Hub, 12 June 2026 The clever wordplay never stops with Taylor Swift. — Lisa Gutierrez, Kansas City Star, 11 June 2026 Star individuals, teams, the language of the sport, anagrams, players with food in their surnames and so much more — there is an enormous amount of fun to be had with soccer trivia and wordplay. — Will Jeanes, New York Times, 11 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for wordplay
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wordplay
  1. humor
  2. wit
  3. ribbing
  4. mocking
  5. kidding
  6. fooling
Noun
  • Widdecombe’s death has shaken British politics, silencing a longtime conservative voice from Parliament and Europe who later became a Reform UK firebrand remembered by friends for personal warmth and sharp humor.
    — Jill Lawless, Los Angeles Times, 11 July 2026
  • The humor—dry, humane, occasionally absurd—is ever-present … The Vermont setting, spare and bracing, acts as a quiet amplifier of these idiosyncrasies, while Mason remains attuned to the natural world.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 10 July 2026
Definition of humor
Noun
  • The play is known for its razor-sharp wit, mistaken identities and romantic mischief.
    — Nollyanne Delacruz, Mercury News, 12 July 2026
  • One video posted last November featured a montage that captured his quick wit, earning 7 million TikTok views.
    — Jay Stahl, USA Today, 11 July 2026
Definition of wit
Noun
  • A little playful ribbing may be fair game among rivals, but piling on rarely helps in the immediate aftermath.
    — Angela Haupt, Time, 18 June 2026
  • The conversation had the recognizable rhythm of sports fans’ mixture of banter and good-natured ribbing.
    — Dan Greene, New Yorker, 12 June 2026
Definition of ribbing
Noun
  • Paul’s confidence was growing, and the left tackle seemingly responded to his challengers by laughing at their efforts in a mocking manner.
    — Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 26 June 2026
  • Arteta and his Arsenal squad have, of course, downplayed the noise around the club this season, arguing that the widespread mocking doesn’t impact the inner sanctum of the team.
    — Ben Church, CNN Money, 20 Apr. 2026
Definition of mocking
Noun
  • Just kidding—We're loving this retro toy comeback!
    — Parents, Parents, 23 June 2026
  • My heart beats faster just thinking about all of them, no kidding.
    — Mike Lupica, New York Daily News, 13 June 2026
Definition of kidding
Noun
  • No fooling, April brings some pretty interesting surprises on Netflix.
    — K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 27 Mar. 2026
Definition of fooling

Browse Nearby Words

word-of-mouth
wordplay
wordplays
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Cite this Entry

“Wordplay.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wordplay. Accessed 16 Jul. 2026.

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