WITTY Synonyms: 81 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'witty' distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of witty are facetious , humorous , jocose , and jocular . While all these words mean "provoking or intended to provoke laughter," witty suggests cleverness and quickness of mind. // a witty remark

Q: When would 'facetious' be a good substitute for 'witty'?

The words facetious and witty can be used in similar contexts, but facetious stresses a desire to produce laughter and may be derogatory in implying dubious or ill-timed attempts at wit or humor. // facetious comments

Q: When might 'humorous' be a better fit than 'witty'?

The words humorous and witty are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, humorous applies broadly to anything that evokes usually genial laughter and may contrast with witty in suggesting whimsicality or eccentricity. // humorous anecdotes

Q: How do 'jocose' and 'facetious' relate to one another, in the sense of 'witty'?

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

Q: When is it sensible to use 'jocular' instead of 'witty'?

The meanings of jocular and witty largely overlap; however, jocular implies a usually habitual fondness for jesting and joking. // a jocular fellow

witty

adjective

ˈwi-tē

Definition of witty next

as in humorous

given to or marked by mature intelligent humor a witty and sardonic blogger who never fails to amuse his legion of readers he's well-known for his witty retorts

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How is the word witty distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of witty are facetious, humorous, jocose, and jocular. While all these words mean "provoking or intended to provoke laughter," witty suggests cleverness and quickness of mind.

a witty remark

When would facetious be a good substitute for witty?

The words facetious and witty can be used in similar contexts, but facetious stresses a desire to produce laughter and may be derogatory in implying dubious or ill-timed attempts at wit or humor.

facetious comments

When might humorous be a better fit than witty?

The words humorous and witty are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, humorous applies broadly to anything that evokes usually genial laughter and may contrast with witty in suggesting whimsicality or eccentricity.

humorous anecdotes

How do jocose and facetious relate to one another, in the sense of witty?

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

jocose proposals

When is it sensible to use jocular instead of witty?

The meanings of jocular and witty largely overlap; however, jocular implies a usually habitual fondness for jesting and joking.

a jocular fellow

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 witty The aim was for the campaign to be witty, topical, and nod to two key cultural conversations: the widespread issue of poor sleep and the cultural fascination with dupes. —

Emma Sandler, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025 Per Sullivan, 33, portrayed Dewey, the witty, humorous and musically-inclined second-youngest child of the Wilkerson family. —

Madison E. Goldberg, People.com, 2 Apr. 2025 Abdul Wright was many things: a witty jokester and daredevil. —

Desiree Mathurin, Charlotte Observer, 31 Mar. 2025 Hiromi and Feraud coyly dialogued in the same movement: Feraud strummed way up the neck of his electric bass, and Hiromi, ever witty, mimicked him by flicking the strings of her Yamaha concert grand. —

Hannah Edgar, Chicago Tribune, 5 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for witty

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“Witty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/witty. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.

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Last Updated: 21 Apr 2025 - Updated example sentences

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