as in humor
Related Words
Relevance
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
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
-
Mike begins to struggle with the idea of doing something that might finally give his life (and his death) meaning, and although the film goes in absurd directions, Gavras sells it by pitching everything at the level of epic satire, his grandiose images working in tandem with moments of broad humor.—
Bilge Ebiri,
Vulture,
5 Feb. 2026
-
Much of McGaha’s humor centers on the chaos of family life and the eccentric characters found in small-town America.—
Travis Pinson,
Dallas Morning News,
5 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Still, don’t be afraid to let your quick wit make a complex topic simple.—
Tarot.com,
New York Daily News,
11 Feb. 2026
-
Some voters may not respond to his charm and wit.—
Clayton Davis,
Variety,
11 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The fact that Middleton even thought to try a pass like that sparked some friendly ribbing in the locker room after the game.—
Dane Mizutani,
Twin Cities,
30 Jan. 2026
-
But it’s also taken a ribbing for recalls, which have been mounting rapidly.—
Andrea Guzmán,
Austin American Statesman,
14 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
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
-
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
-
Here’s what winning a National Championship taught me about B2B sales 🏆 (kidding…kinda) 1.—
Greg Rosenstein,
NBC news,
22 Jan. 2026
-
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 12 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
