as in joke
something said or done to cause laughter
a drama critic who is best remembered for his biting witticisms
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of witticism
Batemen gets a few moving monologues, but Vince’s heavier dose of morbid witticisms aren’t enough to overcome his pervasive selfishness and abominable behavior (nor is a late-arriving revelation about his past).
—
Ben Travers, IndieWire, 7 Sep. 2025
Discontent is brimming with witticisms and scathing observations about our modern-day malaise.
—Julia Hass, Literary Hub, 2 Sep. 2025
Clips of Cauley's sizzling witticism went viral with millions of views and earned her repeat invitations to reappear on Kill Tony.
—Beth Warren, Nashville Tennessean, 21 July 2025
His frequent presence in lecture halls advanced him as one of America’s earliest stand-up comedians, and many of his wry witticisms, whether they were written or performed, remain part of the public conversation.
—Danny Heitman, Christian Science Monitor, 9 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for witticism
Ben Travers, IndieWire, 7 Sep. 2025
Discontent is brimming with witticisms and scathing observations about our modern-day malaise.
—Julia Hass, Literary Hub, 2 Sep. 2025
Clips of Cauley's sizzling witticism went viral with millions of views and earned her repeat invitations to reappear on Kill Tony.
—Beth Warren, Nashville Tennessean, 21 July 2025
His frequent presence in lecture halls advanced him as one of America’s earliest stand-up comedians, and many of his wry witticisms, whether they were written or performed, remain part of the public conversation.
—Danny Heitman, Christian Science Monitor, 9 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for witticism
Recent Examples of Synonyms for witticism
Noun
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And yet, Chisholm’s chat with Fallon sparked some jokes and blowback after the host asked the colorful character what the Yankees’ ultimate goal is this season.—
Gary Phillips,
New York Daily News,
4 June 2026
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The majority of the jokes come off as more asserted than delighted.—
Owen Gleiberman,
Variety,
4 June 2026
Noun
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The quest to find the better joke, the stronger laugh—that’s reason enough to keep on living.—
Michael Schulman,
New Yorker,
29 May 2026
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These people had huge laughs Thursday morning over their airport Bloody Marys after realizing their words were treated as if serious.—
Joe Rexrode,
New York Times,
29 May 2026
Noun
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Sometimes a playful comment, an unexpected reply or a joking callout between brands takes on a life of its own online.—
Expert Panel®,
Forbes.com,
20 May 2026
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Despite that underlying tension, kids play on the street outside while the large family has a dynamic like any other — noisily squabbling, joking, or in the case of the matriarchal grandmother, Mariam (Hiam Abbass), preparing a meal in a kitchen plagued by constant utility outages.—
David Rooney,
HollywoodReporter,
15 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Witticism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/witticism. Accessed 7 Jun. 2026.
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