humorous
6 synonyms and 0 antonyms for humorous, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adjective — Funny or amusing; intended to make people laugh.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use humorous
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Middle English humorous, built on humor + -ous.
Full origin of humorous →Frequently asked questions
What does “humorous” mean?
The word “humorous” means funny or amusing; intended to make people laugh. In plain terms, something that's funny or written/said to get a laugh.
How do you pronounce “humorous”?
“Humorous” is pronounced HYOO-muh-ruhs (/ˈhjuːməɹəs/ in IPA).
How do you use “humorous” in a sentence?
Here is “humorous” used in a sentence: “He gave a humorous speech at his brother's wedding.”
What part of speech is “humorous”?
“Humorous” is an adjective.
Where does the word “humorous” come from?
The word “humorous” comes from Middle English. From Middle English humorous, built on humor + -ous.
Is “humorous” a common word?
“Humorous” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
What is the difference between humorous and funny?
Humorous describes something intended or designed to amuse, often in a clever or gentle way, while funny is a broader, more informal word that covers anything that provokes laughter, including things that are simply odd or ridiculous. Humorous tends to suit writing about comedy, speeches, or stories, whereas funny fits everyday conversation.
Is humorous spelled with an "e" as humerous?
No, the correct spelling is humorous, with an "o" after the "m." Humerus (with an "e") is an unrelated word referring to the upper arm bone, so the two are easily confused in writing.
What is the difference between humorous and witty?
Humorous simply means intended to amuse or make people laugh, while witty implies a sharper, quicker kind of humor built on clever wordplay or a fast comeback. A witty remark is always humorous, but not everything humorous requires the cleverness that being witty implies.