Synonym Chooser

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

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 witty For a film that doesn’t get too creative with the title, Clown in a Cornfield’s fun, witty and absurd take on the slasher genre also comments on a divisive culture fueled by corrupt government, distracting America with its own suffering and pitting its people against each other. Glenn Garner, Deadline, 10 Mar. 2025 This time around, the resistance is less about witty posters and pussyhats and more about robust and accurate contact lists, effective digital communication strategies, and hosting small informational events at peoples’ homes. Jenavieve Hatch, Sacramento Bee, 6 Mar. 2025 Pattinson manages a fine and witty character delineation between good-hearted, passive #17 and steely, brutal #18. Michael Phillips, Chicago Tribune, 6 Mar. 2025 Alice Nelson In the series, Alice is the resourceful, witty housekeeper who can do it all. Athena Sobhan, People.com, 8 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for witty

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Cite this Entry

“Witty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/witty. Accessed 4 Apr. 2025.

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