one-liner

noun

ˌwən-ˈlī-nər How to pronounce one-liner (audio)
Definition of one-linernext
as in joke
something said or done to cause laughter the senator deftly inserted some smart one-liners into an otherwise sober speech

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 one-liner Loose Sequins • Danny gets some good one-liners in this episode. — Erin Qualey, Vulture, 27 July 2026 Awards shows for comedians are often glorified roasts with lots of zingers and one-liners. — Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 24 July 2026 The Beale Street-sampling trunk rattler is bright-eyed and fulgent, full of Kell’s catchy ass one-liners that stick because of her unique drawl. — Olivier Lafontant, Pitchfork, 16 July 2026 Estelle Harris played Estelle Costanza, the loud and quick-witted mom to George and wife to Frank, who was always full of hilarious one-liners. — Keith Langston, PEOPLE, 16 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for one-liner
Recent Examples of Synonyms for one-liner
  1. joke
  2. laugh
  3. joking
Noun
  • And honestly, that’s kind of the best joke there is — some classic America’s Funniest Home Videos type stuff.
    — Maria Bamford, Vulture, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Sumaila has a running joke about it, borrowed from an old British comedy about a heist gone wrong.
    — Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of joke
Noun
  • O’Connell appeared to joke about the marathon applause with Boyle, prompting laughs from his co-stars Claire Foy and Pearce.
    — Ellise Shafer, Variety, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Its format — multi-cam, laugh-tracked, with the occasional fourth-wall-breaking aside — is one that would have been in vogue when Martin originally aired.
    — Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of laugh
Noun
  • Indeed, at lunch, instead of separating into groups to eat, all 16 participants form one mega table and spend the half-hour joking and laughing together.
    — Ellise Shafer, Variety, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Many readers — some likely joking — shared their grievances with Elmo.
    — Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of joking

Browse Nearby Words

oneiromancy
one-liner
one-liners
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“One-liner.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/one-liner. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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