witty

American  

[wit-ee] / ˈwɪt i /

adjective

wittier, wittiest

1. possessing wit in speech or writing; amusingly clever in perception and expression.

   a witty writer.

   Synonyms:

   brilliant, original, funny, droll

   Antonyms:

   stupid, dull

2. characterized by wit.

   a witty remark.

   Synonyms:

   brilliant, original, funny, droll

   Antonyms:

   stupid, dull

3. British Dialect. intelligent; clever

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witty British  

/ ˈwɪtɪ /

adjective

1. characterized by clever humour or wit

2. archaic intelligent or sensible

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Related Words

See humorous ¹.

Other Word Forms

• wittily adverb
• wittiness noun

Etymology

Origin of witty

First recorded before 900; Middle English; Old English wittig originally, “wise”; wit ¹, -y ¹

Example Sentences

In his witty appraisal of Michel de Montaigne’s essays, Emerson celebrates their open-mindedness and vigor with language that is itself expansive and raw.

From The Wall Street Journal

Over the show’s seven-season run, Brendon became a central figure, portraying the witty, insecure but dependable “everyman” in the gang’s battles against the forces of darkness.

From Los Angeles Times

She reminds me of me, but she is just a little bit more witty because she don’t got no trauma like I did.

From Los Angeles Times

The British photographer Martin Parr transformed moments from the everyday world into vibrant, witty tableaux.

From The Wall Street Journal

The British photographer Martin Parr transformed moments from the everyday world into vibrant, witty tableaux.

From The Wall Street Journal