witticism

noun

wit·​ti·​cism ˈwi-tə-ˌsi-zəm How to pronounce witticism (audio)
Synonyms of witticism
: a cleverly witty and often biting or ironic remark

Synonyms of witticism

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Examples of witticism in a Sentence

a collection of famous witticisms a drama critic who is best remembered for his biting witticisms
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The lovely, economic scenic design by Angela Balogh Calin graciously makes room for the play’s wall-to-wall witticisms, but the house is meant to symbolize the ship of state drifting dangerously toward the rocks. — Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 28 Oct. 2026 When the humor shifted abruptly from shrieking and pratfalls to more subtle witticism, the audience was fine with that as long as things stayed light, funny and uncomplicated. — Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 28 Oct. 2026 The result is an incredible repository of vexations, bafflements, witticisms, and brilliancies. — Becca Rothfeld, New Yorker, 1 June 2026 This charming witticism might double as a tagline for the season writ large. — Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 20 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for witticism

Word History

Etymology

witty + -cism (as in criticism)

First Known Use

1651, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of witticism was in 1651

Rhymes for witticism

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Browse Nearby Words

wittichenite
witticism
witticize
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Cite this Entry

“Witticism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/witticism. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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Kids Definition

witticism

noun
wit·​ti·​cism ˈwit-ə-ˌsiz-əm How to pronounce witticism (audio)
: a witty saying
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