hee-haw 1 of 2

noun

ˈhē-ˌhȯ How to pronounce hee-haw (audio)
Definition of hee-hawnext
as in laughter
an explosive sound that is a sign of amusement the humor may have been corny and obvious, but the audience responded with hearty hee-haws

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

hee-haw

2 of 2

verb

as in to laugh
to show mirth with an explosive vocal sound those hayseeds will hee-haw at even the dumbest jokes

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 hee-haw
Noun
The hee-haw of donkeys acts as the camp alarm, rousing us before sunrise each morning. — Jen Murphy, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Oct. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hee-haw
  1. laughter
  2. laugh
  3. chuckle
  4. giggle
  5. snicker
  6. scream
Noun
  • Moments of mutual support and understanding, of belly-aching laughter and silliness, of care and deep love.
    — Kevin Dolak, HollywoodReporter, 14 Oct. 2026
  • But there were scores of times that the specific verbiages were a source of humor judging by the laughter of many in the audience.
    — Bill Hirschman, Sun Sentinel, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of laughter
Verb
  • Less than half a mile away, business owner Sierra Jordan told CNN the familiar sound of children laughing and playing outside at recess gave way to the frantic arrival of ambulances.
    — Alaa Elassar, CNN Money, 17 Oct. 2026
  • At-large Councilwoman Victoria Watlington posted an Instagram video of herself laughing about the situation the morning after the meeting.
    — Nick Sullivan, Charlotte Observer, 17 Oct. 2026
Definition of laugh
Noun
  • David’s Davidness—always eating a bowl of cereal before bed, hoarding Wagon Wheels, calling his artificial sweeteners ‘depth charges,’ laughing with a half-private chuckle at his own bad jokes—comes off the page in sparks.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 8 Oct. 2026
  • Toward the end of the panel, Buttimer noted that Connaughton would have wanted to argue with each speaker, drawing chuckles from the audience.
    — Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 24 Sep. 2026
Definition of chuckle
Verb
  • Less scrolling on the toilet in fear, more giggling with compatriots in joy.
    — Sarah Larson, New Yorker, 11 Oct. 2026
  • The two giggled momentarily before Quiñonez turned back and answered candidly.
    — Jake McCreven, Hartford Courant, 4 Oct. 2026
Definition of giggle
Noun
  • But there’s another 45 supremely indulgent auteur gunk that is snicker-worthy.
    — Abid Rahman, HollywoodReporter, 14 Sep. 2026
  • As executed, the 2019 show is an emotional yet refreshingly unsentimental black comedy that snickers in the face of empowerment buzzwords like, well, healing journey.
    — Judy Berman, Time, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of snicker
Verb
  • Bizarrely, Jones wasn't happy about it, immediately shoving Cullen's hand off him and starting a screaming match.
    — Ian Miller OutKick, FOXNews.com, 19 Oct. 2026
  • In Whalefall, Abrams screams and thrashes with the same vulnerability, and a few more inner demons.
    — Brenna Ehrlich, Rolling Stone, 18 Oct. 2026
Definition of scream

Browse Nearby Words

heeds
hee-haw
hee-hawed
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Cite this Entry

“Hee-haw.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hee-haw. Accessed 21 Oct. 2026.

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