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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 As a Gemini man, many are drawn to his wit, intellect, and intuitive curiosity. Mya Abraham, VIBE.com, 12 June 2025 Solo ended her high school career wit ha 63-19 record and a 1.78 ERA. Adam Lichtenstein, Sun Sentinel, 20 June 2025 With the shoreline in easy sight, the injured Nancy is stranded to fight off a killer shark with nothing more than her wits (and a seagull, which becomes her Wilson the volleyball). Chris Nashawaty, EW.com, 20 June 2025 The Study on Dogs and Eczema in Kids Kenneth Cruse, MD, a pediatrician with Manning Family Children's, often sees parents and patients at a wits’ end because of eczema, which often appears on the face, arms, and legs. Beth Ann Mayer, Parents, 18 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for wit
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wit
Noun
  • For Stalter, a stand-up comedian who became a go-to scene stealer on Hacks, Too Much proved to be an unexpected gift from Dunham, who wrote the female protagonist with Stalter’s voice in mind after discovering her videos on TikTok.
    Max Gao, HollywoodReporter, 12 July 2025
  • If nothing else, the comedians remain united by a common goal.
    Daniel Brown, New York Times, 11 July 2025
Noun
  • In over-the-top Cancun fashion, the property boasts a 40,000-square-foot spa, though its deep grounding in the traditional treatments and ancient wisdom of the region gives it purpose and peace.
    Carley Rojas Avila, Travel + Leisure, 12 July 2025
  • As a father, Jonathan seeks to guide his son in the best possible ways, providing wisdom, humor and support whenever needed.
    Kyle Thomas, People.com, 11 July 2025
Noun
  • Nichols’s insecurities came to mind while reading Leslie’s analysis of Lennon and McCartney.
    John Tamny, Forbes.com, 2 July 2025
  • That is, until Plato came along and decided that body and mind were two different entities.
    Mari Andrew, Time, 1 July 2025
Noun
  • The official said that Israel had shared the intelligence with President Donald Trump but was preparing to strike with or without a green light or participation from the United States and that American support was not a condition for Israel’s decision to strike Iran’s nuclear facilities.
    Andrea Mitchell, NBC news, 11 July 2025
  • Suter thrived as a middle-six center in Vancouver, but also has high enough offensive intelligence to complement star players as a top-six winger.
    Harman Dayal, New York Times, 11 July 2025
Noun
  • Which is to say the title of Portuguese director João Rosas‘ debut feature isn’t at all ironic: This droll, delightful romantic comedy is an ode to the good times that can be had amid and around heartache, and the healing that eventually comes out of that very conflict.
    Guy Lodge, Variety, 10 July 2025
  • 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
Noun
  • Lopez also has an ambitious and uninhibited way of speaking that is far removed from the prudence of players from older generations.
    Laia Cervelló Herrero, New York Times, 4 July 2025
  • While this action may convince some that China is a paper tiger, for others, especially Iran’s Arab rivals, it is seen as a sign of prudence.
    Wesley Alexander Hill, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
Noun
  • Apocalypse Now, a notoriously punishing shoot in the Philippines that seemingly tested the sanity of nearly everyone involved and almost cost star Martin Sheen his life.
    Matthew Carey, Deadline, 1 July 2025
  • Commenters questioned her competence and her sanity.
    Teaghan Skulszki, Outside Online, 24 June 2025
Noun
  • Luckey told me that his central insight with Oculus was to distinguish himself from competitors by focussing less on the headset’s mechanism and more on its software.
    Dexter Filkins, New Yorker, 14 July 2025
  • However, only 120 appear on Google Maps for the entire state, meaning finding the restrooms may require a bit more local insight.
    Opheli Garcia Lawler, Travel + Leisure, 14 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

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

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