humorous

adjective

hu·​mor·​ous ˈhyüm-rəs How to pronounce humorous (audio)
ˈyüm-, 
ˈhyü-mə- How to pronounce humorous (audio)
ˈyü-
Synonyms of humorous
1
a
: full of or characterized by that quality which appeals to a sense of the ludicrous or absurdly incongruous : full of or characterized by humor : funny
humorous stories
shared a humorous anecdote
b
: possessing, indicating, or expressive of an ability to be funny or to be amused by things that are funny : possessing, indicating, or expressive of a sense of humor
a humorous writer
studied his own life … with a shrewd and humorous eye—Harrison Smith
2
obsolete : humid
humorously adverb
humorousness noun

Synonyms of humorous

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witty, humorous, facetious, jocular, jocose mean provoking or intended to provoke laughter.

witty suggests cleverness and quickness of mind.

a witty remark

humorous applies broadly to anything that evokes usually genial laughter and may contrast with witty in suggesting whimsicality or eccentricity.

humorous anecdotes

facetious stresses a desire to produce laughter and may be derogatory in implying dubious or ill-timed attempts at wit or humor.

facetious comments

jocular implies a usually habitual fondness for jesting and joking.

a jocular fellow

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

jocose proposals

Examples of humorous in a Sentence

The book is very humorous. the humorous moments in an otherwise somber affair
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Their escapade leads not only to the creation of their island paradise, Moonrise Kingdom, but a humorous wild goose chase between Suzy’s parents, Sam’s Scout troop, and the island police chief. — Kara Nesvig, Parents, 29 Aug. 2026 When asked whether his dog has a favorite Bush song, Rossdale laughs before providing a humorous answer. — Alicia Urrea, Billboard, 27 Aug. 2026 Parton transcended politics through her humble and often humorous message of acceptance. — Danielle Paquette, Washington Post, 26 Aug. 2026 Some are more serious, while others are more humorous and entertaining. — Mitchell McCluskey, CNN Money, 24 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for humorous

Word History

Etymology

see humor entry 1

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of humorous was in the 15th century

Rhymes for humorous

See All Rhymes for humorous

Browse Nearby Words

humorless
humorous
humorously
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Humorous.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/humorous. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

humorous

adjective
hu·​mor·​ous ˈhyüm-(ə-)rəs How to pronounce humorous (audio)
ˈyüm-
: full of, characterized by, or expressing humor : droll
a humorous story
humorously adverb
humorousness noun
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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