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 much of the movie, family and friends trade what’s meant to be witty banter. Alissa Wilkinson, New York Times, 16 Jan. 2025 The show, lead by the talented Jean Smart, is clever, witty and takes the mundane and is laugh out loud funny. Tribune Content Agency, The Mercury News, 8 Jan. 2025 Britt Lower, Patricia Arquette, and Christopher Walken co-star in this incredibly smart and witty sci-fi drama. Brian Tallerico, Vulture, 6 Jan. 2025 The Real Housewives fans are treated to taglines from the show’s stars each season that encapsulates their journey each year, which also captures their personality, delivering witty and shady lines. Armando Tinoco, Deadline, 6 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for witty 

Thesaurus Entries Near witty

Cite this Entry

“Witty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/witty. Accessed 1 Feb. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on witty

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