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
  • And yet for God’s sake, just look at the man—at his dispiriting attempts at humor, his weirdly off-putting outfits, his incessant posting of banalities and faux profundities and extreme-right disinformation on social media.
    — Mark O’Connell, The New York Review of Books, 4 July 2026
  • But what keeps this show on my perpetual rewatch list is its humor, heart and endless humanity.
    — Maira Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2026
Definition of humor
Noun
  • With wit and élan Amitav Ghosh explores India’s own reincarnation as a democracy, brilliant societies emerging from tangled layers of the postcolonial era.
    — Hamilton Cain, Time, 7 July 2026
  • Armed with endless grit and razor-sharp wit, Esperanza is the backbone of the agency and the steady force keeping both Myron and clients in check.
    — Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 6 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 10 Jul. 2026.

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