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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
Robustly packed with over 30 tracks, including 16 exclusive to the standard edition, the project captures their signature blend of raw honesty, sly wit, and dry humor. Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 8 Jan. 2026 Having spent 15 years in prison, Law directs much of his humor at his hard life and the redemptive power of humor. Randy McMullen, Mercury News, 8 Jan. 2026
Verb
Fans were humored by Bryan's confession. Marina Watts, People.com, 5 Aug. 2025 The weatherman and Ozzy Osbourne While hanging out, Sprinkle recalls Osbourne humoring his stream of burning questions. Théoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 23 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for humor
Recent Examples of Synonyms for humor
Noun
  • Fans of her comedy applauded Glaser for not being afraid of going to some dark places, as others objected to the edgy material.
    Brendan Morrow, USA Today, 9 Nov. 2025
  • With so many comedy writers on the bill, the Broder tribute was no somber affair.
    Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 9 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • Despite its name, the bar operates as a globally minded cocktail destination with equal attention paid to other spirits, along with small bites and an impressive cigar selection.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Jan. 2026
  • What’s unique about Tasovská’s approach is that the entire film is composed of Jarcovjáková’s photographs, infusing her artistic spirit into every frame.
    Matt Minton, Variety, 8 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Leven is still at the whims of the macroeconomic climate plaguing restaurants in recent years.
    Max Scheinblum, Denver Post, 6 Jan. 2026
  • As for whether whims like that need to be indulged, Mayer, perhaps not surprisingly, is on the side of the talent.
    Chris Willman, Variety, 5 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • The irony of what happened to Mahomes months after that commercial aired wasn’t lost on football fans, even in Denver.
    Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 8 Jan. 2026
  • The numbers only underscored the irony.
    Jonathan Taplin, Rolling Stone, 7 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • The opening sketch has long been the primary venue for the show’s most enduring political satire.
    Erik Adams, The Atlantic, 9 Nov. 2025
  • In keeping with a pleasing streak of industry satire here—Michael Haneke and Netflix get hilarious shout-outs—Fanning has a bracing directness that cuts through all the dramaturgical throat-clearing.
    Justin Chang, New Yorker, 7 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • Many designs now incorporate nighttime-specific lighting, plus mood lighting.
    Lew Sichelman, Miami Herald, 9 Jan. 2026
  • The score, a nondescript pop-synth mood (feat.
    Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 8 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • So for a little more whimsy and joy this year, why not pick up the crochet hooks or paintbrush, or join a book club?
    Anna Grace Lee, Vogue, 8 Jan. 2026
  • Keep your eyes open for dashes of whimsy, in keeping with the hotel’s brand.
    Kathryn Streeter, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • The skaters, staff, volunteers and fans were generous in indulging me.
    Brian Munoz, NPR, 11 Jan. 2026
  • José Daniel Ferrer’s life exposes the costs of indulging revolutionary illusions.
    Michael Lucchese, Washington Post, 8 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Humor.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/humor. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on humor

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