belly laugh

noun

Definition of belly laughnext
as in laughter
an explosive sound that is a sign of amusement humorous anecdotes that are likely to evoke lots of smiles but few belly laughs

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 belly laugh Serious belly laughs and nerve-racking moments arrive in equal measure; tonally, there’s nothing quite like it. — David Sims, The Atlantic, 9 Dec. 2025 For over 50 years, it’s been the morning soundtrack of childhood, making its bright colors, belly laughs and sing-along tunes a cozy ritual for many. — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 10 Nov. 2025 The comedy show will feature deep knowledge through storytelling, one-liners, and ad-libs, aiming to bring smiles, chuckles, and belly laughs to the audience. — Charlie Vargas, Daily News, 28 Nov. 2025 But Eddie has a way of getting in our head and hearts to create a belly laugh that eases the pain, builds a bridge and diffuses a situation which makes a real difference. — Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 19 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for belly laugh
Recent Examples of Synonyms for belly laugh
  1. laughter
  2. chuckle
  3. giggle
  4. laugh
  5. snicker
Noun
  • Cataplexy is common in people with Type 1 narcolepsy and can be triggered by strong emotions such as laughter, excitement, surprise or anger.
    — Daryl Austin, USA Today, 8 July 2026
  • Down at the bottom of the hill, four aspen trees by the barn flashed the lighter sides of their leaves and then flashed back, a silent laughter.
    — Emily Ruskovich, The Atlantic, 7 July 2026
Definition of laughter
Noun
  • There was a point in Patrick Paul’s ascension last season where his smirk, his hearty chuckles irritated, if not frustrated his opponents to the point of anger.
    — Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 26 June 2026
  • For one, our laughs sound different based on context — from a polite chuckle among colleagues to a full-bodied guffaw with close friends.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 25 June 2026
Definition of chuckle
Noun
  • Admittedly, Carmy is not exactly a bucket of giggles in this episode, or, really, in any episode.
    — Jen Chaney, Vulture, 26 June 2026
  • Many animals can laugh too, but the giggles don’t follow human patterns as closely.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 25 June 2026
Definition of giggle
Noun
  • Fox Sports cameras showed Swift sharing a laugh with Kelce’s mother, Donna Kelce, in a suite.
    — Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 3 July 2026
  • Davidson cowrote each episode, providing plenty of laughs and adding an extra bounce to the show’s hopeful ending.
    — Sara Netzley, Entertainment Weekly, 2 July 2026
Definition of laugh
Noun
  • The grown-ups in the audience snicker.
    — Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 3 June 2026
  • There were snickers from some of the other students, including a tall and lank-haired kid whose name Adele didn’t know.
    — Jonathan Franzen, New Yorker, 1 June 2026
Definition of snicker

Browse Nearby Words

belly-lands
belly laugh
belly laughs
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Belly laugh.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/belly%20laugh. Accessed 9 Jul. 2026.

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