HUMOR Synonyms: 165 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the noun 'humor' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of humor are irony , repartee , sarcasm , satire , and wit . While all these words mean "a mode of expression intended to arouse amusement," humor implies an ability to perceive the ludicrous, the comical, and the absurd in human life and to express these usually without bitterness. // a sense of humor

Q: When could 'irony' be used to replace 'humor'?

While in some cases nearly identical to humor , irony applies to a manner of expression in which the intended meaning is the opposite of what is seemingly expressed. // the irony of the title

Q: When might 'repartee' be a better fit than 'humor'?

The words repartee and humor can be used in similar contexts, but repartee implies the power of answering quickly, pointedly, or wittily. // a dinner guest noted for repartee

Q: Where would 'sarcasm' be a reasonable alternative to 'humor'?

Although the words sarcasm and humor have much in common, sarcasm applies to expression frequently in the form of irony that is intended to cut or wound. // given to heartless sarcasm

Q: In what contexts can 'satire' take the place of 'humor'?

The synonyms satire and humor are sometimes interchangeable, but satire applies to writing that exposes or ridicules conduct, doctrines, or institutions either by direct criticism or more often through irony, parody, or caricature. // a satire on the Congress

Q: When can 'wit' be used instead of 'humor'?

The meanings of wit and humor largely overlap; however, wit suggests the power to evoke laughter by remarks showing verbal felicity or ingenuity and swift perception especially of the incongruous. // a playful wit

humor 1 of 2

noun

ˈhyü-mər

Definition of humor next

as in humorousness

the amusing quality or element in something we failed to see any humor in his mean and juvenile jokes

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in comedy

humorous entertainment a screenwriter best known for lowbrow humor

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as in spirit

a state of mind dominated by a particular emotion the prospect of going out to dinner put her in a good humor all day

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as in whim

a sudden impulsive and apparently unmotivated idea or action she was seized by a sudden humor to contact an old college friend that she hadn't seen in ages

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humor

2 of 2

verb

as in to cater (to)

to give in to (a desire) humored her grandfather by listening to his war stories for the hundredth time

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun humor differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of humor are irony, repartee, sarcasm, satire, and wit. While all these words mean "a mode of expression intended to arouse amusement," humor implies an ability to perceive the ludicrous, the comical, and the absurd in human life and to express these usually without bitterness.

a sense of humor

When could irony be used to replace humor?

While in some cases nearly identical to humor, irony applies to a manner of expression in which the intended meaning is the opposite of what is seemingly expressed.

the irony of the title

When might repartee be a better fit than humor?

The words repartee and humor can be used in similar contexts, but repartee implies the power of answering quickly, pointedly, or wittily.

a dinner guest noted for repartee

Where would sarcasm be a reasonable alternative to humor?

Although the words sarcasm and humor have much in common, sarcasm applies to expression frequently in the form of irony that is intended to cut or wound.

given to heartless sarcasm

In what contexts can satire take the place of humor?

The synonyms satire and humor are sometimes interchangeable, but satire applies to writing that exposes or ridicules conduct, doctrines, or institutions either by direct criticism or more often through irony, parody, or caricature.

a satire on the Congress

When can wit be used instead of humor?

The meanings of wit and humor largely overlap; however, wit suggests the power to evoke laughter by remarks showing verbal felicity or ingenuity and swift perception especially of the incongruous.

a playful wit

Examples 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 humor

Noun

The coach told Mara, with barely a hint of humor, that Andrews — and not Mara’s mom or dad — was now the most important person in his life. —

Ben Bolch, Los Angeles Times, 12 Jan. 2025 In classic workplace comedy fashion, much of the show's humor comes through awkward interactions between its characters. —

Tommy Tuberville, Newsweek, 9 Jan. 2025

Verb

Alberto humors Oz and then succumbs to his addictions when Oz offers him Drops, the drug introduced in The Batman that is a big part of the Falcones’ business. —

Eric Goldman, TVLine, 19 Sep. 2024 Women of Wrestling show in 2000 mainly to humor close friend David McLane, a businessman and promoter who started WOW as a successor to his successful Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling program from years earlier. —

Chuck Schilken, Los Angeles Times, 13 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for humor

Recent Examples of Synonyms for humor

Noun

The original did air on NBC, which could rebuild a comedy block to try to bring back Must-See TV.

— Emily Longeretta, Variety, 18 Jan. 2025
Tim Lammers For example, SPE’s summer action comedy smash Bad Boys: Ride or Die opened in theaters on June 7 PVOD and arrived on PVOD about six weeks later, on July 23.

— Tim Lammers, Forbes, 18 Jan. 2025