witticism

noun

wit·​ti·​cism ˈwi-tə-ˌsi-zəm How to pronounce witticism (audio)
: a cleverly witty and often biting or ironic remark

Examples of witticism in a Sentence

a collection of famous witticisms a drama critic who is best remembered for his biting witticisms
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Big as the performance is, Stiller isn’t alone: Writer-director-star Eric Schaeffer also pillages shamelessly from the Sundance playbook of whimsy, giving himself the lion’s share of irony-laden pickup lines and depressive witticisms about the pointlessness of romance. Sean Malin, Vulture, 5 Sep. 2024 Early Turning Point memes read as though the organization had hired a Popsicle-stick-joke writer to make bland, conservative-minded witticisms. Ali Breland, The Atlantic, 5 Nov. 2024 Playing Jimmy, McKellen gets to unleash some truly withering witticisms. Christian Holub, EW.com, 3 Oct. 2024 For many of us who had savored Smith’s priceless delivery of the driest witticisms and most delicious bon mots for years, the wider 21st century discovery of her formidable screen persona via those characters brought satisfaction that the youngsters had finally caught up. David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 27 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for witticism 

Word History

Etymology

witty + -cism (as in criticism)

First Known Use

1651, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of witticism was in 1651

Dictionary Entries Near witticism

Cite this Entry

“Witticism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/witticism. Accessed 18 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

witticism

noun
wit·​ti·​cism ˈwit-ə-ˌsiz-əm How to pronounce witticism (audio)
: a witty saying

More from Merriam-Webster on witticism

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!