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 The show was watched by more than a third of the nation and made Henney so famous that his last name became an object of wordplay. — E. Alex Jung, Vulture, 8 Sep. 2026 Artists used wordplay and resistance imagery to process what happened in their state. — Brittney Melton, NPR, 8 Sep. 2026 According to the companies, the natural wordplay of pairing Affleck with Aflac was actually the inspiration for the campaign. — Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 3 Sep. 2026 Animated by dialogue and wordplay, Smith’s novel shines with her intuition, and her ability to surprise. — The New Yorker, New Yorker, 20 July 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
  • Some participants appreciate the light-hearted and good-natured humor, expressing gratitude and finding it timely and amusing.
    — Edith Pritchett, Washington Post, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Noah’s warmth, humor and unwavering support for Joanne drew me back into the character’s world, even if my feelings about Brody’s public statements remained unchanged.
    — Yael Buechler, Sun Sentinel, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of humor
Noun
  • Maybe not laugh-out-loud humor, though that’s there, but other forms of humor like wit, deadpan, understatement, exaggeration, recognition, irony.
    — Cressida Leyshon, New Yorker, 25 Oct. 2026
  • Naturally, Roan brought her signature candor and wit to the performance, joking around with fans in the audience.
    — Nicole Fell, HollywoodReporter, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of wit
Noun
  • Anyway, there’s no ribbing to be made about Ezra’s ability to take on the character of each dance so well.
    — Maggie Fremont, Vulture, 7 Oct. 2026
  • The ribbing was good-natured overall, but when describing the rivalry, the friendliness dissipated.
    — Scott Dochterman, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2026
Definition of ribbing
Noun
  • So when this particular member of the beloved Swedish acting dynasty released a rap song, Schulman’s mocking of the video played out pretty publicly in the press.
    — Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 29 Sep. 2026
  • 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
Definition of mocking
Noun
  • Just kidding—but this printer deal does keep $80 in your pocket all the same.
    — Kelsey Fogarty, PC Magazine, 6 Oct. 2026
  • Just kidding—We're loving this retro toy comeback!
    — Parents, Parents, 23 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 28 Oct. 2026.

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