humorous

adjective

hu·​mor·​ous ˈhyüm-rəs 

ˈyüm-,

ˈhyü-mə- 

ˈyü-

1

a

: full of or characterized by that quality which appeals to a sense of the ludicrous or absurdly incongruous : full of or characterized by humor : funny

humorous stories

shared a humorous anecdote

b

: possessing, indicating, or expressive of an ability to be funny or to be amused by things that are funny : possessing, indicating, or expressive of a sense of humor

a humorous writer

studied his own life … with a shrewd and humorous eye

—Harrison Smith

2

obsolete : humid

humorously adverb

humorousness noun

Synonyms

• antic
• chucklesome
• comedic
• comic
• comical
• droll
• farcical
• funny
• hilarious
• humoristic
• hysterical
• hysteric
• killing
• laughable
• ludicrous
• ridiculous
• riotous
• risible
• screaming
• sidesplitting
• uproarious

Choose the Right Synonym for humorous

witty, humorous, facetious, jocular, jocose mean provoking or intended to provoke laughter.

witty suggests cleverness and quickness of mind.

a witty remark

humorous applies broadly to anything that evokes usually genial laughter and may contrast with witty in suggesting whimsicality or eccentricity.

humorous anecdotes

facetious stresses a desire to produce laughter and may be derogatory in implying dubious or ill-timed attempts at wit or humor.

facetious comments

jocular implies a usually habitual fondness for jesting and joking.

a jocular fellow

jocose is somewhat less derogatory than facetious in suggesting habitual waggishness or playfulness.

jocose proposals

Examples of humorous in a Sentence

The book is very humorous.

the humorous moments in an otherwise somber affair

Recent Examples on the Web

Reddit Reacts Reddit users were entertained by the cake's humorous message. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024

Others offered a more humorous take on the situation, with one writing that whether the couple picks the name for a child depends largely on what the name actually is. —Virginia Chamlee, People.com, 4 Nov. 2024

Borrowing a page from Freddy Krueger, this antagonist is known for his short temper and humorous quips, but Child’s Play changes the mold by making its Final Girl a 6-year-old boy and updating the traditionally suburban or rural setting in favor of urban Chicago. —Meagan Navarro, Vulture, 31 Oct. 2024

The humorous aspect of Michigander is what likely keeps the articles, Reddit threads and friendly banter going. —Robin Queen, The Conversation, 28 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

see humor entry 1

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Kids Definition

humorous

adjective

hu·​mor·​ous ˈhyüm-(ə-)rəs 

ˈyüm-

: full of, characterized by, or expressing humor : droll

a humorous story

humorously adverb

humorousness noun