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
Savannah Walsh, Vanity Fair, 27 Jan. 2026
Many of them are amusing enough to get chuckles and the odd big laugh but a little more wit amongst the throwaway put-downs would have been welcome.
—Richard Kuipers, Variety, 26 Jan. 2026
Outside Online, 14 Jan. 2026
At first, Eli and Peyton chuckled at the sight, while Combs sang along — which is all part of the appeal, Malloy says.
—Anna Lazarus Caplan, PEOPLE, 10 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for chuckle
Noun
Ford tilts his head back with a chuckle.
—Savannah Walsh, Vanity Fair, 27 Jan. 2026
Many of them are amusing enough to get chuckles and the odd big laugh but a little more wit amongst the throwaway put-downs would have been welcome.
—Richard Kuipers, Variety, 26 Jan. 2026
Verb
Survivalist Max Djenohan sees your ultralight backpacking rig and chuckles.
—Outside Online, 14 Jan. 2026
At first, Eli and Peyton chuckled at the sight, while Combs sang along — which is all part of the appeal, Malloy says.
—Anna Lazarus Caplan, PEOPLE, 10 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for chuckle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for chuckle
Noun
-
Perardi heard wind through the phone, laughter in the background, a cadence that could only be the sound of feet on a rubber track.—
Matthew Bremner,
Rolling Stone,
11 Feb. 2026
-
The bar-restaurant is a Stowe icon, which offers a festive post-ski atmosphere filled with music, laughter, and plenty of pints.—
Stacey Leasca,
Travel + Leisure,
10 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Dylan stuck out his tongue in gleeful celebration of only his second basket in the semifinal, and their famous father laughed heartily at courtside.—
Dallas Morning News,
Dallas Morning News,
14 Feb. 2026
-
James shook his head and laughed recalling those moments.—
Broderick Turner,
Los Angeles Times,
14 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The weekly gatherings of knitters at Needle & Skein, a yarn store in Minneapolis, are typically filled with giggles and storytelling.—
Ava Berger,
NPR,
31 Jan. 2026
-
Twain, of course, never stooped to fart jokes or hunchback gags in pursuit of a giggle.—
Seth Abramovitch,
HollywoodReporter,
30 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
The event also had free opportunities to take photos, get ice cream snickers and have earned a Super Bowl post card.—
Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado
Updated February 5,
Sacbee.com,
5 Feb. 2026
-
While there were a few snickers, the photographers obliged and got their photos.—
Brittany Spanos,
Rolling Stone,
11 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Chuckle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/chuckle. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.
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