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

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 humor

Noun

Much of the humor comes out of mutual generational disdain. —

Robert Lloyd, Los Angeles Times, 6 Feb. 2025 And yes, there are of course attempts at humor such as when an eager couple ready to buy a home from Marvin arrive at the wrong time to seal the deal and find themselves in the middle of a turf war destroying the house in the process. —

Pete Hammond, Deadline, 6 Feb. 2025

Verb

The women can barely humor Wendy’s desire to go skydiving and travel before returning back to battle. —

Shamira Ibrahim, Vulture, 4 Nov. 2024 Along the way, he’s been writing: plays, screenplays, silly songs for his private amusement, and humor pieces for McSweeney’s and The New Yorker. —

Michael Schulman, The New Yorker, 27 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for humor

Recent Examples of Synonyms for humor

Noun

Chappelle has also received five Primetime Emmy Awards – three for his Netflix comedy specials Equanimity (2018) and Sticks & Stones (2020), and two for hosting Saturday Night Live (2017 and 2021).

— Paul Grein, Billboard, 11 Feb. 2025
Now, the comedy about a very eccentric suburban dad (Robinson, obviously) having a little trouble making friends has its first trailer.

— Jazz Monroe, Pitchfork, 11 Feb. 2025