wit suggests the power to evoke laughter by remarks showing verbal felicity or ingenuity and swift perception especially of the incongruous.
a playful wit
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
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
sarcasm applies to expression frequently in the form of irony that is intended to cut or wound.
given to heartless sarcasm
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
repartee implies the power of answering quickly, pointedly, or wittily.
a dinner guest noted for repartee
Example Sentences
Noun She is full of wit and vivacity. His latest book doesn't have the same wit as his earlier books. The book is a collection of his wit and wisdom. She was a famous writer and wit.
Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
To wit, hybrid work could be a costlier option if companies are not significantly reducing their rent and facilities maintenance expenses while simultaneously investing in technology upgrades and redesigned office spaces. Aman Kidwai, Fortune, 15 Aug. 2022 To wit, God was angry with Balaam for choosing to go to the Jewish People with the intent of cursing them. Rabbi Avi Weiss, Sun Sentinel, 11 July 2022 To wit, Smith does not appear to even have a basic left-to-right crossover dribble move. Rahat Huq, Chron, 11 July 2022 To wit: The brand recently rolled out a customer-facing email signature with tips on how to identify ethical products—at Patagonia or elsewhere—to aid smarter buying decisions. Corey Buhay, Outside Online, 13 June 2022 His music has both a wry element of wit and world melancholy to it.San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Aug. 2022 Growing up, the Jamaica Queens, New York native learned early on that the power of quick wit and crafty word play was tantamount to survival in her neighborhood. Jasmine Browley, Essence, 14 Aug. 2022 The rest of the competent cast did not reach his level, though Eric Ferring’s aria as Fenton showed off his bright tenor; Paul Daniel conducted with wit and pizzazz. Heidi Waleson, WSJ, 9 Aug. 2022 Job one is the addition of more wit and irreverence to Wetherhead’s book and Shaina Taub’s lyrics. Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 7 Aug. 2022 See More
Word History
Etymology
Noun
Middle English, from Old English; akin to Old High German wizzi knowledge, Old English witan to know
Verb
Middle English witen (1st & 3rd singular present wot, past wiste), from Old English witan (1st & 3rd singular present wāt, past wisse, wiste); akin to Old High German wizzan to know, Latin vidēre to see, Greek eidenai to know, idein to see
First Known Use
Noun
before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 3b
Verb
before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Time Traveler
The first known use of wit was before the 12th century