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

Synonym Chooser

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 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 Exclusives include Wouters & Hendrix, a 42-year-old brand based in Antwerp that specializes in organic, surreal and often humorous designs. — Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 15 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for humorous

Recent Examples of Synonyms for humorous

Adjective

Underneath the celebrity and the tabloid headlines is someone who’s vulnerable, funny and desperately trying to hold her life together.

— Max Goldbart, Deadline, 15 Oct. 2026
The book’s humor is sharp and merciless, akin to that of a standup comedy show, and yet the things described are far from funny.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of funny

Adjective

But his voice is higher now, and his delivery of even the cardboard-iest of lines offers witty little payoffs.

— Michael Phillips, Variety, 8 Oct. 2026
Beneath his commentary on trending topics and crowd interactions are anecdotes inspired by Brookzz’s family and his personal life, giving the debut a hint of intimacy and a glimpse into the man behind the charming grin and witty quips.

— Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of witty

Adjective

Drexler’s comedic sensibility was shaped, early on, by the vaudeville acts that performed in movie theatres in between screenings.

— Leslie Camhi, New Yorker, 16 Oct. 2026
Their ascent on YouTube included a 2025 comedic boxing match between Andrijasevic and Al-Emad, titled Hamzah vs Martin and held in Toronto over three rounds.

— Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of comedic

Adjective

Fixing Loose Tiles With Hot Glue When tile loosens, one apparently clever home DIY is to reapply it with a hot glue gun.

— Lee Wallender, The Spruce, 15 Oct. 2026
Butter Squishy Butter squishy toys had a banner year, so dressing like one is a fun way to have a clever, timely costume.

— ABC News, ABC News, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of clever

Adjective

The amusing part is that if Mahomes spoke out in support of the bill, Le Batard would almost certainly demand his silence.

— Bobby Burack OutKick, FOXNews.com, 13 Oct. 2026
Without recounting every amusing or harrowing detail, a good deal of interactive psychological grilling ensued.

— Chris Willman, Variety, 11 Oct. 2026

Definition of amusing

Adjective

This monster is a twisted version of the ideal parent, a collection of traditional maternal impulses pushed to almost comical extremes.

— Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 9 Oct. 2026
Beneath the serious exchange of ideas there was romance as well—at times tragic and at other times comical.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of comical

Adjective

Technology fans don’t despair, there’s still the 8-inch touchscreen, but this too features more of Belgian comic artist Jean-Luc Delvaux’s work.

— Jonathan M. Gitlin, ArsTechnica, 13 Oct. 2026
This isn’t an epic work but a compilation of comic sketches tied together with heavy thematic string.

— Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of comic

Adjective

Always one for a picture-perfect moment of her family, Joan loved to put the kids in matching outfits while entertaining guests at home.

— Megan Johnson, Architectural Digest, 14 Oct. 2026
This one is designed around a citrus tree, but is used for alfresco entertaining rather than farming.

— Tori Latham, Robb Report, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of entertaining

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“Humorous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/humorous. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of humorous

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