witticism

noun

ˈwi-tə-ˌsi-zəm How to pronounce witticism (audio)
Definition of witticismnext
as in joke
something said or done to cause laughter a drama critic who is best remembered for his biting witticisms

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 witticism Batemen gets a few moving monologues, but Vince’s heavier dose of morbid witticisms aren’t enough to overcome his pervasive selfishness and abominable behavior (nor is a late-arriving revelation about his past). — Ben Travers, IndieWire, 7 Sep. 2025 His ability to combine introspection with droll, slacker-dude witticisms is appealing. — George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Sep. 2025 Discontent is brimming with witticisms and scathing observations about our modern-day malaise. — Julia Hass, Literary Hub, 2 Sep. 2025 Clips of Cauley's sizzling witticism went viral with millions of views and earned her repeat invitations to reappear on Kill Tony. — Beth Warren, Nashville Tennessean, 21 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for witticism
Recent Examples of Synonyms for witticism
  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

wits
witticism
witticisms
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Cite this Entry

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

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