as in laughter
an explosive sound that is a sign of amusement
a quick chuckle at the funny comment
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in to laugh
to show mirth with an explosive vocal sound
everyone dutifully chuckled at the professor's intended jokes
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 chuckle
Chris Willman, Variety, 12 Dec. 2025
Gregory wondered out loud with a chuckle.
—NPR, 31 Oct. 2025
Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 12 Dec. 2025
Some of the Italian Stallion's costars and his brother made the audience chuckle by doing an impression of Stallone’s iconic gravelly voice.
—N'dea Yancey-Bragg, USA Today, 8 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for chuckle
Noun
There are a lot more chuckles in Episode 2, not just because there is no longer a terrorist subplot and its resulting anxiety to be grappled with, but because Florence Welch, of Florence + the Machine, makes for such a sweet comic foil, of sorts.
—Verb
Ripa exclaimed as the Live studio audience chuckled over the moment.
—Recent Examples of Synonyms for chuckle
Noun
-
After all, some say the best love stories start off as friendships, specifically when there’s mutual support and laughter.—
-
In confessional, Boz can’t contain her laughter.—
Verb
-
Honestly, my only regret is this thing in the eye [laughs].—
-
The Ig Nobel Prizes celebrate achievements that make people laugh, then think.—
Noun
-
Rita says with a giggle and a glint in her eye.—
-
Nash had an unorthodox solution to Goldberg’s giggles.—
Noun
-
While there were a few snickers, the photographers obliged and got their photos.—
-
Early never makes fun of Maddie, never lets the audience snicker at the screen.—
Cite this Entry
“Chuckle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/chuckle. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share