adjective

witty

/ˈwɪti/ · say it: WIT·ee

showing quick, inventive verbal humor

In Personality & Character

In more detail

1. (adjective) clever and funny; able to make amusing remarks

2. (adjective) showing quick and intelligent humor

Examples

1. She gave a witty response that made everyone laugh.
2. His witty comments always brighten up the meeting.

How to use witty

Witty describes someone who makes clever, intelligent jokes and amusing observations, often with clever wordplay or unexpected connections. It suggests not just humor but mental agility and sophistication. Unlike funny, which is broader and can apply to accidental humor, witty implies intentional, skillful comedy.

Common phrases

witty remark
witty comment
witty banter
witty response
witty humor

Synonyms

clever · humorous · amusing · sharp · quick-witted

Opposites

dull · serious · unfunny

Word family

wittily (adverb) · wittiness (noun) · wittier (comparative) · wittiest (superlative)

A common mistake

Learners sometimes use witty to mean simply funny or humorous without the implication of cleverness and intelligence required for true wit.

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