1
2

Synonym Chooser

How is the word humorous distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of humorous are facetious, jocose, jocular, and witty. While all these words mean "provoking or intended to provoke laughter," humorous applies broadly to anything that evokes usually genial laughter and may contrast with witty in suggesting whimsicality or eccentricity.

humorous anecdotes

In what contexts can facetious take the place of humorous?

While the synonyms facetious and humorous are close in meaning, facetious stresses a desire to produce laughter and may be derogatory in implying dubious or ill-timed attempts at wit or humor.

facetious comments

How are the words jocose and facetious related as synonyms of humorous?

Jocose is somewhat less derogatory than facetious in suggesting habitual waggishness or playfulness.

jocose proposals

When might jocular be a better fit than humorous?

The synonyms jocular and humorous are sometimes interchangeable, but jocular implies a usually habitual fondness for jesting and joking.

a jocular fellow

When is witty a more appropriate choice than humorous?

Although the words witty and humorous have much in common, witty suggests cleverness and quickness of mind.

a witty remark

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 humorous The Twin Lakes Bridge at Eden Park then makes an appearance during a humorous dog-walking scene. Haadiza Ogwude, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025 Since then, she's become known for her humorous approach to commentary on a variety of topics ranging from politics to pet ownership to pop culture. Killian Baarlaer, The Courier-Journal, 2 July 2025 In an actual court hearing this past week, the judge examined both sides’ arguments, which yielded a few humorous moments. Armon Sadler, VIBE.com, 1 July 2025 In her recent appearance on Late Night with Seth Meyers on Tuesday, June 24, the actress shared a humorous story about her children's reaction to her mullet haircut for the film. Madison E. Goldberg, People.com, 28 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for humorous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for humorous
Adjective
  • Well its funny to say this to Forbes — but the fashion system is financially small but culturally a very potent front of western supremacy.
    Tiana Randall, Forbes.com, 7 July 2025
  • Make funny faces, play peek-a-boo, take them for a walk around the neighborhood.
    Lauryn Higgins, Parents, 7 July 2025
Adjective
  • On July 4, your celestial ruler, Venus, entered the sparkly and witty sign of Gemini, charming your ninth house of experience and self-discovery.
    Valerie Mesa, People.com, 10 July 2025
  • No, really — with her sharp and witty books like this one and The Partly-Cloudy Patriot, Vowell does for history what Neil deGrasse Tyson does for science.
    Brian Boone, Vulture, 18 June 2025
Adjective
  • As events unfolded in real time, an extensive roster of AI icons began to drive what would become this comedic thriller.
    Martine Paris, Forbes.com, 13 July 2025
  • What should be a milestone celebration quickly escalates into a comedic family reunion — this time with a musical twist.
    Jane LaCroix, People.com, 13 July 2025
Adjective
  • Light, clever, and just leftfield enough to feel like a proper find.
    Lela London, Forbes.com, 2 July 2025
  • Dubno’s novel sounds equally thoughtful and nasty, clever and juicy and full of great drama.
    Literary Hub July 1, Literary Hub, 1 July 2025
Adjective
  • The scene was more amusing than threatening — onlookers whipped out cell phone cameras to document the sight of horses traversing the grounds.
    Jim Newton, Mercury News, 12 July 2025
  • For two-thirds of the day, as the peloton rolled through Brittany, the majority of soundbites ranged from frivolous to downright amusing.
    Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 12 July 2025
Adjective
  • Hackman, Perrine and Beatty add a comical touch to all of their scenes.
    Martin Gold, HollywoodReporter, 7 July 2025
  • The film was always going to be a giant undertaking, but an almost comical series of unfortunate events had curtailed it into becoming one of the most expensive pictures Hollywood had ever produced… long before Burton even joined the project.
    Rance Collins, IndieWire, 2 July 2025
Adjective
  • Created by Keenen Ivory Wayans and featuring several members of his comic family such as Jamie Foxx, Jim Carrey and a young dancer named Jennifer Lopez, the show attracted the hottest hip hop and R&B guests every Sunday.
    Cheryl V. Jackson, IndyStar, 2 July 2025
  • Its web comic adaptation was published in 2020 and is currently available worldwide in 10 languages, including English, Japanese and French.
    Joan MacDonald, Forbes.com, 2 July 2025
Adjective
  • The collection is by Hudson Grace, a home decor and entertaining brand that also has their own line of signature-scented candles, soaps, and cleaning products.
    Ella Field, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 July 2025
  • Although during one segment of the show something felt a bit off in the air, her captivating optimism kept the show going and entertaining.
    Tiffany Acosta, AZCentral.com, 13 July 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Humorous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/humorous. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on humorous

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!