HUMOROUS Synonyms: 120 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'humorous' distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of humorous are facetious , jocose , jocular , and witty . While all these words mean "provoking or intended to provoke laughter," humorous applies broadly to anything that evokes usually genial laughter and may contrast with witty in suggesting whimsicality or eccentricity. // humorous anecdotes

Q: In what contexts can 'facetious' take the place of 'humorous'?

While the synonyms facetious and humorous are close in meaning, facetious stresses a desire to produce laughter and may be derogatory in implying dubious or ill-timed attempts at wit or humor. // facetious comments

Q: How are the words 'jocose' and 'facetious' related as synonyms of 'humorous'?

Jocose is somewhat less derogatory than facetious in suggesting habitual waggishness or playfulness. // jocose proposals

Q: When might 'jocular' be a better fit than 'humorous'?

The synonyms jocular and humorous are sometimes interchangeable, but jocular implies a usually habitual fondness for jesting and joking. // a jocular fellow

Q: When is 'witty' a more appropriate choice than 'humorous'?

Although the words witty and humorous have much in common, witty suggests cleverness and quickness of mind. // a witty remark

humorous

adjective

ˈhyüm-rəs

Definition of humorous

as in funny

causing or intended to cause laughter the humorous moments in an otherwise somber affair "most humorous costume" went to the girl dressed as Little Bo Peep

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in witty

given to or marked by mature intelligent humor the movie's a humorous look at love and marriage

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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How is the word humorous distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of humorous are facetious, jocose, jocular, and witty. While all these words mean "provoking or intended to provoke laughter," humorous applies broadly to anything that evokes usually genial laughter and may contrast with witty in suggesting whimsicality or eccentricity.

humorous anecdotes

In what contexts can facetious take the place of humorous?

While the synonyms facetious and humorous are close in meaning, facetious stresses a desire to produce laughter and may be derogatory in implying dubious or ill-timed attempts at wit or humor.

facetious comments

How are the words jocose and facetious related as synonyms of humorous?

Jocose is somewhat less derogatory than facetious in suggesting habitual waggishness or playfulness.

jocose proposals

When might jocular be a better fit than humorous?

The synonyms jocular and humorous are sometimes interchangeable, but jocular implies a usually habitual fondness for jesting and joking.

a jocular fellow

When is witty a more appropriate choice than humorous?

Although the words witty and humorous have much in common, witty suggests cleverness and quickness of mind.

a witty remark

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 humorous On Christmas Day, Neon will weigh in with the best of the three, Luca Guadagnino’s Artificial, a humorous and ultimately horrifying account of 20 years of AI evolution and a scorching portrait of OpenAI founder Sam Altman. — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 7 Oct. 2026 What readers are saying The conversation explores a humorous and critical response to an article about making the perfect cup of coffee. — Tim Carman, Washington Post, 25 Sep. 2026 Down recalled one humorous tea time with de Havilland, which was hosted by Hayley and Juliet Mills’ mother (and John Mills’ wife), Mary. — Rance Collins, Entertainment Weekly, 24 Sep. 2026 The request, which Seaver shared in the family’s full death announcement⁠, offered a characteristically humorous final image from Parton and further illustrated the trust between the singer and her nephew. — Sameen Chaudhry, USA Today, 22 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for humorous

Recent Examples of Synonyms for humorous

Adjective

As the country hurtles toward a pivotal but divisive election, Netflix has done us all a favor by dropping four documentaries about really funny people this month.

— Stuart Miller, Los Angeles Times, 20 Oct. 2026
New York is getting roasted for an awkward giveaway T-shirt gaffe, made funnier by the team proudly posting the evidence on social media.

— Alejandro Avila OutKick, FOXNews.com, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of funny

Adjective

With a captivating bank fraud mystery, and two irresistible love stories, Kleypas’ uniquely wise and witty novel is a gem.

— Monitor reviewers, Christian Science Monitor, 19 Oct. 2026
Revived for the first time since 2011, this production, directed by John Benjamin Hickey, is gutting, witty and painfully timely.

— Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 19 Oct. 2026

Definition of witty

Adjective

Even the Harlem Globetrotters occasionally shelved their comedic antics for a night and sent out a highly competitive team to take on college basketball’s best.

— ABC News, ABC News, 25 Oct. 2026
Robertson traces Perry’s life as a child of divorce to a hopeful comedic actor to star of one of the biggest TV shows of all time.

— Bethy Squires, Vulture, 25 Oct. 2026

Definition of comedic

Adjective

The elaborate, experiential drinks are presented on trays or pedestals alongside clever fixings.

— Jaclyn DeGiorgio, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Oct. 2026
From time-saving kitchen gadgets and food warmers to festive serving platters, Thanksgiving table decorations and clever ways to store leftovers, there are plenty of products that can help make the holiday feel a little less stressful.

— ABC News, ABC News, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of clever

Adjective

The company said the seasonal collection is intended for holiday entertaining, gifting and everyday snacking.

— ABC News, ABC News, 20 Oct. 2026
At the highest tier, palaces and soaring residences allow even more space, privacy, and room for entertaining, creating a distinctly residential feel.

— Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of entertaining

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“Humorous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/humorous. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of humorous

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