humor 1 of 2

noun

ˈhyü-mər How to pronounce humor (audio)
Definition of humornext
1
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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2
as in comedy
humorous entertainment a screenwriter best known for lowbrow humor

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3
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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4
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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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

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
After Louie’s death, the staff gather to remember him — his humor, his kindness, his life beyond the hospital. —Jonathan Hunt-Glassman, Fortune, 2 Apr. 2026 Expect a broad range of humor from a crew with decades of experience making people laugh. —Jennifer Day, Chicago Tribune, 2 Apr. 2026
Verb
Colum scoffs at her offer, claiming that their father only humored Ellen. —Lincee Ray Published, EW.com, 15 Aug. 2025 Fans were humored by Bryan's confession. —Marina Watts, People.com, 5 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for humor
Recent Examples of Synonyms for humor
  1. comedy
  2. spirit
  3. whim
  4. irony
  5. satire
  6. mood
  7. whimsy
  8. indulge
Noun
  • Widely considered one of the best comedy clubs in the country, if not the best.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 Mar. 2026
  • Graham’s consulting role is perhaps more surprising as he is not known first and foremost for his comedy chops, although he is widely regarded as one of the most prolific creatives in British TV.
    — Max Goldbart, Deadline, 30 Mar. 2026
Definition of comedy
Noun
  • Ancient Mayans later believed cenotes were sacred portals to the underworld, where gods and spirits dwelled.
    — Ryan Brennan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Apr. 2026
  • By the 1980s, the mob had slowed, but some say the spirit of the mafia never left Gaetano's basement.
    — Kennedy Cook, CBS News, 5 Apr. 2026
Definition of spirit
Noun
  • And few issues provide more difficulties in implementing his changing whims than a war in the Middle East.
    — David Goldman, CNN Money, 31 Mar. 2026
  • Every deportation should be based on immigration law, not the whims of ICE nor those of the president.
    — Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 30 Mar. 2026
Definition of whim
Noun
  • There’s also an irony in Powell warning about debt sustainability while leading an institution whose own policies made cheap borrowing the path of least resistance for years.
    — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 30 Mar. 2026
  • No, the irony of that quote is thicker than the fog over Oracle Park on a Tuesday in June.
    — Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 30 Mar. 2026
Definition of irony
Noun
  • Gingrich’s March 15, 2026, post linked to an article that labeled itself as satire.
    — The Conversation, Fortune, 3 Apr. 2026
  • The film, which debuted on Netflix April 1, deploys a deliberately eccentric tone, mixing slapstick, satire and spy-thriller tropes with Das’ irreverent comedic sensibility.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 2 Apr. 2026
Definition of satire
Noun
  • In a high-rise, that kind of continuous great-room footprint can matter as much as the finishes —especially when the view is expected to carry the mood of the space.
    — David Caraccio, Sacbee.com, 31 Mar. 2026
  • Floorboards and beige walls didn’t do much to set the mood, but they were beautifully accompanied by period furniture and lamps, that kept the post-war vibe the rest of the hotel basks in.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 Mar. 2026
Definition of mood
Noun
  • Flower clusters and pastel tips make for a whimsy yet innocent feel.
    — Amanda Le, InStyle, 4 Apr. 2026
  • Ralph Gleason, the Chronicle music critic who mentored Wenner and co-founded the magazine with him, articulated the position that the rock revolution should be taken as more than just teenage whimsy.
    — James Sullivan, San Francisco Chronicle, 3 Apr. 2026
Definition of whimsy
Verb
  • Being gentle with yourself is a form of bravery, so go ahead and indulge your softer side.
    — Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 3 Apr. 2026
  • Her girlfriend — a writer who understands the emotional and mental demands of creating — indulges her interests.
    — Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 2 Apr. 2026
Definition of indulge

Phrases Containing humor

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humongous
humor
humored
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Cite this Entry

“Humor.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/humor. Accessed 6 Apr. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on humor

Nglish: Translation of humor for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about humor

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