as in laughter
an explosive sound that is a sign of amusement
a quick chuckle at the funny comment
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in to laugh
to show mirth with an explosive vocal sound
everyone dutifully chuckled at the professor's intended jokes
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of chuckle
Dave Quinn, PEOPLE, 21 Apr. 2026
The line was met with one or two chuckles from the hearing room, which was at capacity.
—Kevin Breuninger,jeff Cox,alex Harring,matt Peterson, CNBC, 21 Apr. 2026
Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 1 May 2026
Jordan, famous for taking things personally, just chuckled.
—Charles Bethea, New Yorker, 26 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for chuckle
Noun
And what begins as a clever, high-concept joke doesn’t always build beyond a steady stream of chuckles.
—Dave Quinn, PEOPLE, 21 Apr. 2026
The line was met with one or two chuckles from the hearing room, which was at capacity.
—Kevin Breuninger,jeff Cox,alex Harring,matt Peterson, CNBC, 21 Apr. 2026
Verb
Baffert watched it all on his laptop from California, chuckling as the board showing the horse’s price flaked out momentarily.
—Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 1 May 2026
Jordan, famous for taking things personally, just chuckled.
—Charles Bethea, New Yorker, 26 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for chuckle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for chuckle
Noun
-
And as for the showstopping pelican, the frog erupts out of its beak right on cue, a moment that indeed inspires a round of laughter and childlike awe.—
Todd Martens,
Los Angeles Times,
20 May 2026
-
As Margo’s laughter turns into anxious tears, Shyanne tenderly cradles her in her lap, staying fully present for her daughter in her moment of need.—
Erin Qualey,
Vulture,
20 May 2026
Verb
-
The two have grown close as a regular double-play duo, constantly joking and laughing together in the clubhouse and on the field.—
Brendan Kuty,
New York Times,
16 May 2026
-
Jackson laughs with Kirkwood over the chance meeting, calls in the other referees for a group picture.—
Dave Hyde,
Sun Sentinel,
16 May 2026
Noun
-
The first tinkling notes mimicked the pre‑concert bell that ushered the audience to their seats—an unusual start that elicited a giggle from the crowd.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
6 May 2026
-
Their antics made Huntington Beach a national laughingstock — but Gates and his pals so far have had the last giggle.—
Gustavo Arellano,
Los Angeles Times,
9 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Early never makes fun of Maddie, never lets the audience snicker at the screen.—
Ryan Lattanzio,
IndieWire,
6 May 2026
-
The dialogue is overladen with snicker-worthy cliches, a swelling, melodramatic soundtrack that doesn’t match the mood, dubious cameos and plastic, perfunctory life-affirming quotes.—
Randy Myers,
Mercury News,
11 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Chuckle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/chuckle. Accessed 22 May. 2026.
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