WIT Synonyms: 176 Similar and Opposite Words

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

Some common synonyms of wit are humor , irony , repartee , sarcasm , and satire . While all these words mean "a mode of expression intended to arouse amusement," wit suggests the power to evoke laughter by remarks showing verbal felicity or ingenuity and swift perception especially of the incongruous. // a playful wit

Q: When would 'humor' be a good substitute for 'wit'?

The words humor and wit are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 'wit'?

The meanings of irony and wit largely overlap; however, 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: In what contexts can 'repartee' take the place of 'wit'?

In some situations, the words repartee and wit are roughly equivalent. However, 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 'wit'?

The synonyms sarcasm and wit are sometimes interchangeable, but sarcasm applies to expression frequently in the form of irony that is intended to cut or wound. // given to heartless sarcasm

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

The words satire and wit can be used in similar contexts, 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

wit

noun

ˈwit

Definition of wit next

as in comedian

a person (as a writer) noted for or specializing in humor the pundits and political wits will get a lot of mileage out of the senator's latest gaffe

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Relevance

as in wisdom

the ability to make intelligent decisions especially in everyday matters he doesn't even have the wit to know when to come in out of the rain

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in mind

usually wits plural the normal or healthy condition of the mental abilities scared out of her wits

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as in intelligence

exceptional discernment and judgment especially in practical matters lacked the wit to see that the war was unwinnable

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun wit differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of wit are humor, irony, repartee, sarcasm, and satire. While all these words mean "a mode of expression intended to arouse amusement," wit suggests the power to evoke laughter by remarks showing verbal felicity or ingenuity and swift perception especially of the incongruous.

a playful wit

When would humor be a good substitute for wit?

The words humor and wit are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 wit?

The meanings of irony and wit largely overlap; however, 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

In what contexts can repartee take the place of wit?

In some situations, the words repartee and wit are roughly equivalent. However, repartee implies the power of answering quickly, pointedly, or wittily.

a dinner guest noted for repartee

Where would sarcasm be a reasonable alternative to wit?

The synonyms sarcasm and wit are sometimes interchangeable, but sarcasm applies to expression frequently in the form of irony that is intended to cut or wound.

given to heartless sarcasm

When can satire be used instead of wit?

The words satire and wit can be used in similar contexts, 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

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 wit Harvey Guillén’s dry wit and biting ripostes serve as an effective mask for his character Eli’s well of loneliness and love. —

Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 22 Jan. 2025 There’s a scene where the duo is trying to get their rent money back from Alyssa’s conniving and cheating boyfriend, which perfectly encapsulates the blend of wit and physical comedy that makes the film so memorable. —

Shelby Stewart, Essence, 21 Jan. 2025 Real-life events prompted him to direct that wit into a more multidimensional medium: playwriting. —

Etelka Lehoczky, NPR, 21 Jan. 2025 He’s been guided by Ferdy Roberts as the famously blunt UK minister John Prescott, who is one of many characters who bring unexpected wit to the production. —

David Benedict, Variety, 17 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for wit

Recent Examples of Synonyms for wit

Noun

But in his everyday style, the comedian is all about striking a balance: Americana with whimsy, streetwear with formalwear.

— Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 25 Jan. 2025
The comedian hopes the city and its population can all take some time to process, but understands his responsibility in bringing everyone together and helping people to move forward.

— Harrison Richlin, IndieWire, 25 Jan. 2025