witticism

noun

wit·​ti·​cism ˈwi-tə-ˌsi-zəm How to pronounce witticism (audio)
Synonyms of witticismnext
: 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
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
This charming witticism might double as a tagline for the season writ large. — Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 20 Apr. 2026 Discontent is brimming with witticisms and scathing observations about our modern-day malaise. — Julia Hass, Literary Hub, 2 Sep. 2025 On the menu are dishes as storied as the place itself, with witticisms and asides reminiscent of another era's copywriting. — Karina Acharya, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 Oct. 2025 His ability to combine introspection with droll, slacker-dude witticisms is appealing. — George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Sep. 2025 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 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

witticism

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

More from Merriam-Webster on witticism

Nglish: Translation of witticism for Spanish Speakers

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