HUMOROUS Synonyms: 120 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

humorous

adjective

ˈhyüm-rəs

Definition of humorous next

as in funny

causing or intended to cause laughter the humorous moments in an otherwise somber affair "most humorous costume" went to the girl dressed as Little Bo Peep

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in witty

given to or marked by mature intelligent humor the movie's a humorous look at love and marriage

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Examples Sentences

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Recent Examples of humorous The hostess held her own throughout the night, offering humorous moments throughout the show. —

Billie Schwab Dunn, Newsweek, 6 Jan. 2025 During the ceremony, a humorous interaction was caught on C-SPAN cameras between the vice president and Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders. —

Fernando Cervantes Jr., USA TODAY, 3 Jan. 2025 The result is humorous, highly relatable, heartbreaking and so deeply human. —

Stephanie McNeal, Glamour, 27 Dec. 2024 However, Meredith’s attempt to fit in with the Stones causes numerous challenges, leading to humorous and touching moments as family dynamics unravel. —

John Dealbreuin Wealth Of Geeks, Boston Herald, 26 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for humorous

Recent Examples of Synonyms for humorous

Adjective

Nick Park directed this funny flick that may not be Aardman’s best, but minor Aardman is still a family film worth seeing.

Brian Tallerico, Vulture, 8 Jan. 2025
Favorite Memory Activity: There needs to be a healthy level of trust for this activity to work well, but the idea is that people share a memory from their childhood, perhaps a funny story, challenging time or a proud moment.

Julie Kratz, Forbes, 8 Jan. 2025