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 By the first week of September, TikTok users were turning Kirk’s name into a growing lexicon of wordplay. — Rachel Hale, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2026 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 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
  • Also, this group of friends has been coping with death using approximately 40% love, 20% alcohol and 40% wildly inappropriate humor, so taking this unfinished review bike back through the scene of the crime seemed entirely on brand.
    — Kevin Fanady, New Atlas, 6 Nov. 2026
  • Sola Media managing director Solveig Langeland said mixing humor and heart has always sat at the center of the studio’s storytelling, backed by its skill at bringing characters to life through strong voice casts.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 6 Nov. 2026
Definition of humor
Noun
  • The fact that Jones, who lacks both talent and wit, survived for so long at ESPN and in sports media is an indictment of both institutions.
    — Bobby Burack OutKick, FOXNews.com, 6 Nov. 2026
  • Many members of the military special forces who Kirk worked with probably couldn't keep their wits in a similar situation.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 6 Nov. 2026
Definition of wit
Noun
  • Not all oversized sweater dresses work well, but this Lillusory design balances voluminous sleeves and a roomy bodice with a sleek mock-neck collar and exaggerated vertical ribbing.
    — Abby Hepworth, Travel + Leisure, 3 Nov. 2026
  • 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
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 9 Nov. 2026.

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