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
  • Overland Park had a signage campaign over the summer that mixed humor with safety messages about e-scooters and e-bikes.
    — Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 13 Nov. 2026
  • Morrison’s lusty humor brings the Oval Office temptations of his character fiendishly to life.
    — Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 13 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 15 Nov. 2026.

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