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verb

as in to cater (to)
to give in to (a desire) humored her grandfather by listening to his war stories for the hundredth time

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun humor differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of humor are irony, repartee, sarcasm, satire, and wit. While all these words mean "a mode of expression intended to arouse amusement," humor implies an ability to perceive the ludicrous, the comical, and the absurd in human life and to express these usually without bitterness.

a sense of humor

When could irony be used to replace humor?

While in some cases nearly identical to humor, irony applies to a manner of expression in which the intended meaning is the opposite of what is seemingly expressed.

the irony of the title

When might repartee be a better fit than humor?

The words repartee and humor can be used in similar contexts, but repartee implies the power of answering quickly, pointedly, or wittily.

a dinner guest noted for repartee

Where would sarcasm be a reasonable alternative to humor?

Although the words sarcasm and humor have much in common, sarcasm applies to expression frequently in the form of irony that is intended to cut or wound.

given to heartless sarcasm

In what contexts can satire take the place of humor?

The synonyms satire and humor are sometimes interchangeable, but satire applies to writing that exposes or ridicules conduct, doctrines, or institutions either by direct criticism or more often through irony, parody, or caricature.

a satire on the Congress

When can wit be used instead of humor?

The meanings of wit and humor largely overlap; however, wit suggests the power to evoke laughter by remarks showing verbal felicity or ingenuity and swift perception especially of the incongruous.

a playful wit

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 humor
Noun
Nihilistic action comedies such as Novocaine are built on juxtaposing irreverent humor with cathartic carnage, which can sometimes feel off-putting and contrived. Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 14 Mar. 2025 Smith effortlessly blends charisma, passion, knowledge, controversy, humor and emotion to provoke conversation and debate. Kurt Bardella, Boston Herald, 14 Mar. 2025
Verb
This year’s breakout sounds were about sensuality and also humor. Jon Caramanica, New York Times, 24 Dec. 2024 Feldman’s last show had a perfect mix of characters with gray moral centers, enough twists and turns to keep you invested, and enough edge and humor that the heartfelt moments never felt overly saccharine. Maggie Fremont, Vulture, 12 Dec. 2024 See All Example Sentences for humor
Recent Examples of Synonyms for humor
Noun
  • Smashing a watermelon with a giant mallet to the messy delight of audiences, Leo Gallagher became one of the biggest comedy acts of the 1980s and shot to superstardom.
    Addie Morfoot, Variety, 19 Mar. 2025
  • Again, there’s no hard and fast definition for what constitutes a dumb comedy.
    Stephanie Zacharek, TIME, 19 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Still, his spirit of risk resulted in one of the year’s more memorable recitals.
    Alex Ross, The New Yorker, 10 Mar. 2025
  • Over the years, cast reunions and even a 2023 Audible spinoff have kept the Scooby Gang spirit alive and kicking, but talks of a revival were once just rumors.
    Kate Hogan, People.com, 10 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • But the lockdowns made clear that the party was willing to sacrifice those gains, and people’s safety more broadly, at the whims of one man, Xi Jinping.
    Vivian Wang, New York Times, 13 Mar. 2025
  • But in this new climate, where corporate parents are hostage to Trump’s whims — MSNBC’s parent, Comcast, is, for instance, spinning off the network and likely hoping to sell it, which will need regulatory approval from Trump’s FCC — news divisions don’t seem to have much of a chance.
    Michael Wolff, The Hollywood Reporter, 13 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • The irony is that at the other major prosecutorial office maintaining law and order, the Cook County state’s attorney, voters in November elected Eileen O’Neill Burke, a tough-on-crime candidate who pledged to rebuild ranks depleted by defections during the two terms of Kim Foxx.
    The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 12 Mar. 2025
  • There’s a great irony in the bulk of the world’s stablecoins being denominated in USD and yet originating from overseas, out of necessity because of the previous administration.
    Sean Lee, Forbes, 11 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • The superhero movie satire from creator/executive producer Jon Brown had Oscar winner Sam Mendes and Emmy-winning frequent HBO collaborator Armando Iannucci as executive producers.
    Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 10 Mar. 2025
  • For Bong, this approach is vital for his films, as that human element grounds movies that effortlessly shift among satire, pathos, action, and genre.
    Chris O'Falt, IndieWire, 10 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Different types of exercise, such as walking, yoga, and high-intensity workouts, have shown various cognitive and mood benefits.
    Dominique Fluker, Essence, 10 Mar. 2025
  • Depression, Confusion, and Irritability B6 is essential to making certain neurotransmitters and hormones, such as serotonin, which affect brain function and mood.
    Ann Pietrangelo, Verywell Health, 10 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Grab a few of the brand’s vibrant Flower Plates in Turquoise (the only hue that’s currently in stock), whose ridged, upward-sloping edges will add many tablespoons of whimsy to all upcoming meals.
    Stacia Datskovska, WWD, 17 Mar. 2025
  • Manifesting with Miniatures Dream big, except smaller—miniature crafts have surged as a way for people to tap into their inner whimsy and creativity.
    Lauren Thomann, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • For those who like to indulge, the in-room mini bar offers a diverse selection of beverages, including the Seychelles' national spirit: Takamaka rum.
    Jason Chau, Travel + Leisure, 9 Mar. 2025
  • Wedding photos are taken while the groom indulges a major secret.
    Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 5 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Humor.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/humor. Accessed 24 Mar. 2025.

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