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Synonym Chooser

How is the word humorous distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of humorous are facetious, jocose, jocular, and witty. While all these words mean "provoking or intended to provoke laughter," humorous applies broadly to anything that evokes usually genial laughter and may contrast with witty in suggesting whimsicality or eccentricity.

humorous anecdotes

In what contexts can facetious take the place of humorous?

While the synonyms facetious and humorous are close in meaning, facetious stresses a desire to produce laughter and may be derogatory in implying dubious or ill-timed attempts at wit or humor.

facetious comments

How are the words jocose and facetious related as synonyms of humorous?

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

jocose proposals

When might jocular be a better fit than humorous?

The synonyms jocular and humorous are sometimes interchangeable, but jocular implies a usually habitual fondness for jesting and joking.

a jocular fellow

When is witty a more appropriate choice than humorous?

Although the words witty and humorous have much in common, witty suggests cleverness and quickness of mind.

a witty remark

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 humorous While the situation might seem humorous, the Reddit user shared an important takeaway: people should be cautious when dealing with wrong numbers. Barbara A. Perry, Newsweek, 28 Jan. 2025 Chicago Teachers Union President Stacy Davis Gates and Johnson regularly text humorous or supportive messages. Gregory Royal Pratt, Chicago Tribune, 27 Jan. 2025 Their relationship starts on an odd and somewhat humorous note before settling into typical rom-com beats. Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 26 Jan. 2025 In October 2024, Jackman enlisted Reynolds for a humorous promo video to announce the Radio City concert series, which launched Friday with musical numbers from his 2017 film The Greatest Showman, as well as his most recent Broadway show, The Music Man. Mitchell Peters, Billboard, 25 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for humorous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for humorous
Adjective
  • Spanning almost forty years from the 1980s to the present day, this ambitious series will cover the highs and lows of the brothers’ relationship, from them meeting as teenagers to their falling out as adults – with all the good, bad, terrible, funny, angry, and challenging moments along the way.
    Michael Schneider, Variety, 25 Feb. 2025
  • Even the guy who runs the garment shop is very funny.
    Lily Ford, The Hollywood Reporter, 25 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • In this puzzle, however, the question is about serving others in restaurants, and the witty answer is TIPS.
    Deb Amlen, New York Times, 13 Feb. 2025
  • Starring Hollywood legends Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan, the movie follows Harry and Sally’s evolving relationship over the years, punctuated by witty banter and unforgettable scenes, including the famous diner moment.
    Jené Luciani Sena, Fox News, 12 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • There are times when an actor leaning into the role of straight man can make comedic material even funnier (Leslie Nielsen’s late career was entirely built on the premise), but this isn’t one of them.
    Frank Scheck, The Hollywood Reporter, 19 Feb. 2025
  • Some were comedic, like a moment when McKee, playing Annie in middle age, attends her first aerobics class.
    Alex Marshall, New York Times, 18 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • More News: William Byron Just Pulled Off a Daytona 500 Feat Only Four Others Have Speaking about the incident in an interview, Byron seemed amused by the clever digital jest.
    Tom Rogers, Newsweek, 22 Feb. 2025
  • When a clever and ruthless Dunlending lord attacks seeking vengeance for the death of his father, Helm’s daughter Héra must summon the will to lead the resistance or face total destruction.
    Denise Petski, Deadline, 21 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Needless to say, TikTok users couldn't cope with the amusing video, and it's already generated mor than 2,200 comments online.
    Alyce Collins, Newsweek, 20 Feb. 2025
  • To the latter, watching Shauna blankly absorb an update about her daughter dumping a bag of animal guts onto a bully at school is both amusing and frustrating.
    Shirley Li, The Atlantic, 18 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • The film follows two determined fathers who engage in a comical battle to enroll their kids in an elite preschool, escalating into an absurd competition with unexpected results.
    Justin Kroll, Deadline, 25 Feb. 2025
  • The laidback energy resonated throughout the entire night, which featured minor goofs from Timothée Chalamet and Jessica Williams along with comical bits reuniting cast members from our favorite shows of the past.
    Brendan Le, People.com, 24 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Furthermore, as a Jewish man with a direct connection to the horrors that the Nazi regime inflicted on millions of people, Spiegelman recently collaborated with author Joe Sacco on a three-page comic about the alarming situation in Gaza.
    Carlos Aguilar, Variety, 25 Feb. 2025
  • This week’s challenge is focused on books with a sharp comic edge that were adapted for the screen.
    J. D. Biersdorfer, New York Times, 24 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • The documentary can be irksome, and its chronology a touch confusing, but Spiegelman is an entertaining interlocutor, and so are many of the artists and critics who testify to his greatness here.
    Manohla Dargis, New York Times, 20 Feb. 2025
  • There was also the potential for an entertaining scenario in which Canada might have pulled its goalie in regulation if it was tied late against Finland.
    Michael Russo, The Athletic, 20 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Humorous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/humorous. Accessed 2 Mar. 2025.

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