laugh 1 of 2

verb

ˈlaf How to pronounce laugh (audio)
Definition of laughnext
1
as in to giggle
to show mirth with an explosive vocal sound everyone laughed when the clown dramatically slipped and fell

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to smile
to express scornful amusement by means of facial contortions you're going to try out for the football team? Don't make me laugh!

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laugh

2 of 2

noun

1
as in chuckle
an explosive sound that is a sign of amusement the child's frown turned into a laugh when he saw the clown

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in hoot
someone or something that is very funny that new sitcom is a laugh

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in joke
something said or done to cause laughter the film comedy had a good laugh in just about every scene

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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 laugh
Verb
Harris’s confrontation with Murphy came after a heated debate, during which audience members who were supporters of Schwartz laughed at an answer from Harris about energy prices. — Molly Parks, The Washington Examiner, 16 Oct. 2026 This group of people laughing, arguing, and reminiscing about a great era of American history—and also about members of their cohort who were long gone—recaptured lightning in a bottle. — Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 16 Oct. 2026
Noun
Macca shot back as Poehler feigned ignorance and let out a laugh. — Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 13 Oct. 2026 The shop became a gathering place where customers could get their hair done, talk and laugh. — Kansas City Star, 12 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for laugh
Recent Examples of Synonyms for laugh
  1. giggle
  2. smile
  3. chuckle
  4. hoot
  5. joke
  6. scream
  7. sneer
  8. laughter
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
Verb
  • Then Kip caught himself and, by way of saying thanks, rubbed his belly, smiled big, gave me the finger.
    — George Saunders, New Yorker, 18 Oct. 2026
  • Our photos — of Leo smiling at the Vatican and posing at scenic overlooks — attest to that.
    — Jeanne Bonner, CNN Money, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of smile
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
Noun
  • Closer to home there’s The Invite’s Olivia Wilde, who is a hoot as a tightly wound yuppie, and who could make history as the first woman to direct herself to an acting nomination.
    — Nate Jones, Vulture, 9 Oct. 2026
  • Whyte is a hoot, and her thick-as-thieves chemistry with Horgan a delight.
    — Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 18 Sep. 2026
Definition of hoot
Noun
  • Its frothy, pastel hues and single moment of contrived levity (when one dance claims a trumpet solo for a joke about jamming her toe) is one of those quintessential examples of Balanchine’s repertoire showing its age.
    — Lauren Warnecke, Chicago Tribune, 18 Oct. 2026
  • And the Longhorns’ quarterback, Arch Manning, was the butt of the joke.
    — Noah White, Miami Herald, 18 Oct. 2026
Definition of joke
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
Verb
  • Five times in the last two months, the president has sneered at and insulted female reporters.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 29 Sep. 2026
  • The reader is not asked to sneer at Ruby for wanting Ellen’s attention.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 24 Sep. 2026
Definition of sneer
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

Phrases Containing laugh

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lauds
laugh
laughable
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Cite this Entry

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

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