WITTY Synonyms: 81 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

witty

adjective

ˈwi-tē

Definition of witty next

as in humorous

given to or marked by mature intelligent humor a witty and sardonic blogger who never fails to amuse his legion of readers he's well-known for his witty retorts

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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

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 witty Mindless Behavior Describe your sound in a sentence: Bold strokes of jazz, 24-karat boom bap beats and witty lyrics. —

Alex Apatoff, People.com, 15 Oct. 2024 Kate often seems like a spin on C.J. Cregg, Janney’s character on The West Wing — assertive, witty, disinterested in fashion — and so the series casting Janney to play a foil for Kate felt inevitable. —

Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 1 Nov. 2024 Their campaigns and social are obviously very witty, very inventive. —

Chris Gardner, The Hollywood Reporter, 31 Oct. 2024 Hermione is smart, witty, and practical and exhibits patience and kindness to her besties, Harry Potter and Ron Weasley. —

Lisa Stardust, People.com, 26 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for witty