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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 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 Connections often features red herrings and other tricks like wordplay. — Kris Holt, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026 See, for me, naming a snowplow isn’t just about clever wordplay. — Mark Glende, Twin Cities, 2 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
  • Abrams is fantastic as the bumbling protagonist, and Cregger injects a healthy dose of humor, gore, Easter eggs, and scares into the new adaptation.
    — Savannah Salazar, Vulture, 18 Sep. 2026
  • While audiences will find plenty of humor in this film, its subject matter is serious—as is Wilson.
    — Lila Allen, Architectural Digest, 18 Sep. 2026
Definition of humor
Noun
  • Laced with Horgan’s signature combination of unsparing honesty and sparkling wit, Youth is a fleet and frisky reminder that growing into yourself is a lifelong endeavor.
    — Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 18 Sep. 2026
  • What follows is a modern picaresque journey, in which a clever underdog has to rely on her wit and wiles to survive a corrupt and perilous world.
    — Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 17 Sep. 2026
Definition of wit
Noun
  • The ribbing was good-natured overall, but when describing the rivalry, the friendliness dissipated.
    — Scott Dochterman, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2026
  • 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
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 21 Sep. 2026.

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