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Synonym Chooser

How does the noun wit differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of wit are humor, irony, repartee, sarcasm, and satire. While all these words mean "a mode of expression intended to arouse amusement," wit suggests the power to evoke laughter by remarks showing verbal felicity or ingenuity and swift perception especially of the incongruous.

a playful wit

When would humor be a good substitute for wit?

The words humor and wit are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 wit?

The meanings of irony and wit largely overlap; however, 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

In what contexts can repartee take the place of wit?

In some situations, the words repartee and wit are roughly equivalent. However, repartee implies the power of answering quickly, pointedly, or wittily.

a dinner guest noted for repartee

Where would sarcasm be a reasonable alternative to wit?

The synonyms sarcasm and wit are sometimes interchangeable, but sarcasm applies to expression frequently in the form of irony that is intended to cut or wound.

given to heartless sarcasm

When can satire be used instead of wit?

The words satire and wit can be used in similar contexts, 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

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 wit The tongue-in-cheek wit of the franchise at its best is largely absent. David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 14 May 2025 The whip of Twain’s wit is here, but it’s laid out like slides in a biology class. Dwight Garner, New York Times, 13 May 2025 But the marathon markup had all the trappings of the previous endurance contest, featuring waves of emergency takeout, loads of caffeine and plenty of grumpy lawmakers who sought unique ways to make it through the gauntlet with their wits intact. Mike Lillis, The Hill, 14 May 2025 Twain was both a brilliant writer who exposed America’s hypocrisies with humor and wit, and an angry man who savored revenge, nursed grudges and blamed God for the blows fate rained down on his head. Mary Ann Gwinn, Los Angeles Times, 9 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for wit
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wit
Noun
  • Shortly after Reubens’ death, former costars and fellow comedians shared their condolences and memories of the star.
    Keith Langston, People.com, 25 May 2025
  • The task of the comedian is to turn that pain into laughter.
    Belinda Luscombe, Time, 23 May 2025
Noun
  • Meanwhile, the voters’ wisdom in trying to check pension costs has been repeatedly confirmed.
    U T Editorial Board, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 May 2025
  • Still, Stuy pitches adoptees on the wisdom of testing.
    Barbara Demick, New Yorker, 23 May 2025
Noun
  • The thought of sitting out spring practices never crossed star running back Kyren Williams’ mind, despite an ongoing contract negotiation between his representatives and the Los Angeles Rams.
    Jourdan Rodrigue, New York Times, 29 May 2025
  • With January’s trauma still fresh in the minds of many, Verdery said the group is focused on rebuilding with an eye toward safety and resilience.
    Kate Nishimura, Sourcing Journal, 29 May 2025
Noun
  • According to a new assessment from no fewer than 11 countries’ intelligence agencies, the hacker group has been targeting a broad array of technology and logistics firms involved in providing aid to Ukraine.
    Andy Greenberg, Wired News, 24 May 2025
  • The group is a terrorist organization made up of operatives, spies and intelligence officials from agencies around the world who want to create a new world order.
    Keith Langston, People.com, 24 May 2025
Noun
  • There’s some droll humor in this pileup of bad decisions and bad behavior — particularly in one running gag that sees Carey doggedly befriending Ashley’s parade of exes, including one hilariously gormless f-boy played by drawling ensemble standout Charlie Gillespie.
    Guy Lodge, Variety, 19 May 2025
  • Among the latter was John Bainbridge, an author of deadpan, droll Profiles and reported pieces.
    Mark Singer, New Yorker, 18 May 2025
Noun
  • Left wing-progressives, once skeptical of the status quo, have become stolid guardians of institutions, while right-wing conservatives – once champions of prudence – are tearing down fences.
    Christian Edwards, CNN Money, 5 Apr. 2025
  • Known for his humility, gentle spirit, prudence, and warmth, Pope Leo XIV's leadership offers an opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to our educational mission.
    Jesus Mesa, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 May 2025
Noun
  • Suppressing the complexity of the nation’s past to curate a comforting national story will not lead to truth, sanity, or the sorts of achievements that Trump wants to celebrate.
    Time, Time, 20 May 2025
  • Most of us involuntarily limit our daily interaction with the world’s incessant problems, just to preserve our basic sanity.
    Tomris Laffly, Variety, 18 May 2025
Noun
  • Historical Odds of Positive Post-Earnings Returns for Gap Some insights on one-day (1D) post-earnings returns: There are 19 earnings data points documented over the past five years, with 14 positive and 5 negative one-day (1D) returns recorded.
    Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025
  • Don’t miss these insights from CNBC PRO Pilotless planes are taking flight in China.
    Melissa Repko, CNBC, 28 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Wit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wit. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.

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