humor 1 of 2

Definition of humornext
1
2
3
4

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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
Showin up with understanding and compassion, and always using humor to get through the hard stuff. Benjamin Vanhoose, PEOPLE, 4 Feb. 2026 Janet Carol Norton, Printz’s longtime agent, said he would be remembered for his collaborative approach, personality and humor. Kennedy French, Variety, 4 Feb. 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
Noun
  • The 30-second Super Bowl version manages to capture most of the ridiculousness of the lengthier, two-and-a-half-minute version directed by Spike Jonze, which feels as silly and committed as any of your favorite Stiller comedy moments.
    Omar L. Gallaga, Los Angeles Times, 9 Feb. 2026
  • Sánchez Arévalo has framed the film as a deliberate genre blend — thriller, drama, black comedy and Western — emphasizing that its resistance to easy labelling was central to the appeal.
    Emiliano De Pablos, Variety, 9 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • But the composer also makes great use of the saxophone, which playfully dances through melodies that transport the viewer back to the swinging '60s and evokes the spirit of Henry Mancini.
    Alex Galbraith, Entertainment Weekly, 15 Feb. 2026
  • At the bottom it could be motivated by the needs of the human spirit, some Wellsian desire to push out to the stars.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 15 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Airports were named for geographical locations, not to satisfy political whims.
    Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 13 Feb. 2026
  • There are still many in this country who value truth, who believe that history should be preserved and not erased, who understand that constitutional rights should not be swept away to suit the whims of a megalomaniac, and who refuse to wallow in ignorance and hate.
    DP Opinion, Denver Post, 11 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • The irony is not lost on either of the Malacinskis that were the women allowed, Annika would have no trouble qualifying.
    Dana ONeil, CNN Money, 10 Feb. 2026
  • The irony is that this wasn’t always the case, says Nicole Ellison, a professor at the University of Michigan School of Information who studies human-computer interaction.
    Angela Haupt, Time, 9 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Your satire of suburban malaise doesn’t also have to be a hangout comedy with a murderer on the loose.
    Ben Travers, IndieWire, 12 Feb. 2026
  • Roma came close to the top win, in fact — arguably laying the groundwork for the Parasite phenomenon that came the next year, when Bong Joon Ho’s Korean satire, steered by Neon, defied the odds as the first non-English-language film to ever win best picture.
    David Canfield, HollywoodReporter, 10 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Still, Thursday’s vote is being described by many as the first free and fair election in more than a decade, and on the streets of Dhaka, the prevailing mood is one of anticipation.
    Rhea Mogul, CNN Money, 10 Feb. 2026
  • Where there would once be huge lively crowds gathering in support of Hong Kong’s democracy figures, the mood was subdued and yet at the same time on edge.
    ABC News, ABC News, 9 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Strawberry beige Like a glass of Veuve Clicquot garnished with berries, this strawberry-beige color straddles the line between upscale polish and whimsy.
    Loren Savini, Allure, 14 Feb. 2026
  • In honor of Valentine’s Day, Stephanie also has a story on the whimsies created by chocolate artist Chris Ford at his West Hollywood pop-up shop.
    Bill Addison, Los Angeles Times, 14 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Set directly on 600 feet of beachfront, the hotel boasts an outdoor beach club, four pools, and an 18,000-square-foot wellness center, which encompasses the Bamford Wellness Spa and Anatomy gym (drop the kids off at Seedlings kids club to fully indulge).
    Devorah Lev-Tov, Robb Report, 5 Feb. 2026
  • And don’t forget that everything is all-inclusive—even lobster—so why not indulge?
    Condé Nast Traveler, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 Feb. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Humor.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/humor. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on humor

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!