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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 In the end, the news that Mohamed Salah will remain at Liverpool was delivered with a humorous tagline. Simon Hughes, New York Times, 11 Apr. 2025 What unites these objects, which range from the humble to the humorous, and the extremely high-end? Liam Hess, Vogue, 10 Apr. 2025 In the comments section, fellow Reddit users shared their appreciation for the humorous story. Erin Clack, People.com, 8 Apr. 2025 As Corina’s supportive mother, Politi’s humorous tenderness makes for a memorable onscreen presence, while Cristo Fernández, playing a new clerk at the local store named Carlos, doesn’t so much enter the picture as a romantic interest, but a friendly ally. Carlos Aguilar, Variety, 14 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for humorous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for humorous
Adjective
  • And makes a funny joke about giving Glenn Close an Oscar.
    Andy Hoglund, EW.com, 13 Apr. 2025
  • His being handsome, funny and not known for comedy was a real asset.
    Rosa Escandon, Forbes.com, 13 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Britt Lower, Patricia Arquette, and Christopher Walken co-star in this incredibly smart and witty sci-fi drama.
    Brian Tallerico, Vulture, 18 Apr. 2025
  • Heckerling's 1995 film, a loose adaptation of Jane Austen's witty novel of young love, Emma, centers on Silverstone's sunny, good-hearted, yet at times slightly daft heroine.
    Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 17 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • But before things ended up in a fight, the atmosphere grew more animated when the comedic WWE faction Alpha Academy, whose members include Otis, Maxxine Dupri, and Akira Tozawa joined in on the scene to help out.
    EW.com, EW.com, 8 Apr. 2025
  • During a double-decker bus ride around the city, some friends get hit by tree branches and in select trailer scenes, tension turns into comedic relief.
    Jay Stahl, USA Today, 8 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The lingo, the faces, the concerns – all seemed, if not entirely authentic, then at least clever enough to create some backstage buzz.
    Greg Evans, Deadline, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Just make sure your clever solution doesn’t create additional fire hazards i.e. don’t hide cords under a rug.
    Maddie Topliff, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Six books offer readers armchair travel, amusing characters, and a dash of history.
    Yvonne Zipp, Christian Science Monitor, 1 Apr. 2025
  • Thankfully, in the case of Mark, the reality proved to be something much more amusing.
    Ron Estes, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • That suggests an almost comical misunderstanding of free trade.
    Lee Habeeb, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Apr. 2025
  • The ornate, over-the-top nature of the piece, contrasted with the comical brevity of its time onscreen, works in tandem to launch it to the middle of the pack. 34.
    Kinsey Jasnoch, Vulture, 7 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Both men will tell us a lot about themselves Sunday. DeChambeau is often still, to this day, a comic construct of his own character type.
    Brendan Quinn, New York Times, 13 Apr. 2025
  • Honestly looking at the old models those butts were not good just…anatomically, even for the often unusual proportions of comic character.
    Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 12 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • An otherwise entertaining year became quite messy in the final stages and ended on a sour note.
    Baltimore Sun staff, Baltimore Sun, 28 Mar. 2025
  • Comments Murder is the final course during a state dinner with foreign dignitaries on The Residence, a deliciously entertaining new murder mystery from Shondaland.
    Jessica Wang, EW.com, 27 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Humorous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/humorous. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.

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