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humor

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verb

as in to cater (to)
to give in to (a desire) humored her grandfather by listening to his war stories for the hundredth time

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun humor differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of humor are irony, repartee, sarcasm, satire, and wit. While all these words mean "a mode of expression intended to arouse amusement," humor implies an ability to perceive the ludicrous, the comical, and the absurd in human life and to express these usually without bitterness.

a sense of humor

When could irony be used to replace humor?

While in some cases nearly identical to humor, irony applies to a manner of expression in which the intended meaning is the opposite of what is seemingly expressed.

the irony of the title

When might repartee be a better fit than humor?

The words repartee and humor can be used in similar contexts, but repartee implies the power of answering quickly, pointedly, or wittily.

a dinner guest noted for repartee

Where would sarcasm be a reasonable alternative to humor?

Although the words sarcasm and humor have much in common, sarcasm applies to expression frequently in the form of irony that is intended to cut or wound.

given to heartless sarcasm

In what contexts can satire take the place of humor?

The synonyms satire and humor are sometimes interchangeable, but satire applies to writing that exposes or ridicules conduct, doctrines, or institutions either by direct criticism or more often through irony, parody, or caricature.

a satire on the Congress

When can wit be used instead of humor?

The meanings of wit and humor largely overlap; however, wit suggests the power to evoke laughter by remarks showing verbal felicity or ingenuity and swift perception especially of the incongruous.

a playful wit

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 humor
Noun
Facing a career-defining ultimatum, Smart balances biting humor with quiet devastation in a farewell monologue... H. Alan Scott, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 July 2025 Get the insight right, and humor becomes a powerful tool. Ellie Victor, Forbes.com, 9 July 2025
Verb
But Universal’s performers last weekend showed their improv skills by humoring fans while keeping the story moving. Robert Niles, Oc Register, 29 Apr. 2025 Service animals perform vital jobs, but humoring selfish pet owners is not one of them. Philip Galanes, New York Times, 26 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for humor
Recent Examples of Synonyms for humor
Noun
  • Gale and Zemeckis were nominated for a Best Original Screenplay Oscar for the film — a win in itself considering how popular sci-fi and comedy are both usually ignored by the Academy.
    Jordan Hoffman, EW.com, 4 July 2025
  • Appearances by Amy Poehler, Will Arnett and Craig T. Nelson allow Blades of Glory to thrive like few 2000s comedies could.
    Travis Bean, Forbes.com, 4 July 2025
Noun
  • The same spirit that saved my education, that ensures your holiday package arrives on time, could be written out of the equation altogether.
    Shekar Natarajan, Forbes.com, 8 July 2025
  • There was no moment in the tournament that better captured the spirit of football and its role as an emotional release valve than when every member of the squad hounded Gray.
    Jordan Campbell, New York Times, 8 July 2025
Noun
  • Only 24% of voters today recognize that their future benefits are subject to the whims of Congress and the president.
    Scott Rasmussen, Boston Herald, 6 July 2025
  • Adapting to the whims of a star is no small task, however.
    Phil Plait, Scientific American, 3 July 2025
Noun
  • Then, in one of football’s crueler ironies, the very first fall after he gets cut, the Broncos go 10-7 and snap that postseason curse like an old branch.
    Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 10 July 2025
  • The irony of a post-George W. Bush government possibly recognizing this despite also being inclined to sleepwalk into a disastrous Middle East war is strange and potent.
    Miles Klee, Rolling Stone, 10 July 2025
Noun
  • Earlier, during his days with Monty Python, Gilliam co-wrote biblical black comedy The Life of Brian, whose themes of religious satire drew accusations of blasphemy and protests.
    Nancy Tartaglione, Deadline, 7 July 2025
  • The logline portends a comedy, possibly a parody, even a satire.
    Robert Lloyd, Twin Cities, 3 July 2025
Noun
  • Spruce yours up with shelving for your plants, lighting to set the mood outside, and cooling accessories to keep you comfortable in the dead heat of summer.
    Blake Bakkila, Architectural Digest, 9 July 2025
  • In the early mornings, before witness testimony started, the mood was usually pretty jovial on the 26th floor.
    Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 9 July 2025
Noun
  • The whole process, Mill argued, would move voting away from a referendum on a community’s values and toward an act of whimsy, like browsing from an array of calico clothes.
    Gal Beckerman, The Atlantic, 23 June 2025
  • Its mismatched shades and staggered pendant height bring a subtle whimsy overhead that lend the fixture its statement-making quality.
    Maria Conti, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 June 2025
Verb
  • Some adults want their children to develop AI literacy; others see chatbots as a way to indulge young kids’ endless curiosities or engage their creativity.
    Lila Shroff, The Atlantic, 14 July 2025
  • Trump previously appeared to indulge an antisemitic trope of Jewish people controlling things behind the scenes.
    Rebecca Schneid, Time, 5 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Humor.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/humor. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.

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