WITTY Synonyms: 81 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'witty' distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of witty are facetious , humorous , jocose , and jocular . While all these words mean "provoking or intended to provoke laughter," witty suggests cleverness and quickness of mind. // a witty remark

Q: When would 'facetious' be a good substitute for 'witty'?

The words facetious and witty can be used in similar contexts, but 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: When might 'humorous' be a better fit than 'witty'?

The words humorous and witty are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, humorous applies broadly to anything that evokes usually genial laughter and may contrast with witty in suggesting whimsicality or eccentricity. // humorous anecdotes

Q: How do 'jocose' and 'facetious' relate to one another, in the sense of 'witty'?

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

Q: When is it sensible to use 'jocular' instead of 'witty'?

The meanings of jocular and witty largely overlap; however, jocular implies a usually habitual fondness for jesting and joking. // a jocular fellow

witty

adjective

ˈwi-tē

Definition of witty next

as in humorous

given to or marked by mature intelligent humor a witty and sardonic blogger who never fails to amuse his legion of readers he's well-known for his witty retorts

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How is the word witty distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of witty are facetious, humorous, jocose, and jocular. While all these words mean "provoking or intended to provoke laughter," witty suggests cleverness and quickness of mind.

a witty remark

When would facetious be a good substitute for witty?

The words facetious and witty can be used in similar contexts, but facetious stresses a desire to produce laughter and may be derogatory in implying dubious or ill-timed attempts at wit or humor.

facetious comments

When might humorous be a better fit than witty?

The words humorous and witty are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, humorous applies broadly to anything that evokes usually genial laughter and may contrast with witty in suggesting whimsicality or eccentricity.

humorous anecdotes

How do jocose and facetious relate to one another, in the sense of witty?

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

jocose proposals

When is it sensible to use jocular instead of witty?

The meanings of jocular and witty largely overlap; however, jocular implies a usually habitual fondness for jesting and joking.

a jocular fellow

Example Sentences

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Recent Examples of witty In the early days of her brand, Edie Parker, a range of custom acrylic clutches, some emblazoned with witty phrases, was the company’s signature. —

Zachary Weiss, Vogue, 8 Feb. 2025 Gunderson’s Hertha is fierce, witty and courageous and her Marie is cowering, heartbroken and despondent. —

Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 Feb. 2025 Elsewhere, Sian Clifford playfully portrays a witty and hospitable local grocery shop owner who might become Charles’ romantic interest, while also offering some help to the out-of-towners. —

Tomris Laffly, Variety, 27 Jan. 2025 Set in present-day, smalltown Norway, the film combines nostalgic storytelling with fresh, witty perspectives, that will entertain the entire family. —

Leo Barraclough, Variety, 30 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for witty