witty

[wit-ee]

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

witty

/ ˈwɪtɪ /

adjective

1. characterized by clever humour or wit

2. archaic,  intelligent or sensible

Other Word Forms

• wittily adverb
• wittiness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of witty¹

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

Synonym Study

See humorous ¹.

Example Sentences

His writing was witty and playful, he took ideas seriously and delighted in philosophical and political argument.

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At its London premiere before coronavirus closed the theatres, The Standard newspaper described it as a "late masterwork... wise, witty and devastatingly sad".

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Charming and witty each in his own way, they were four strong individuals and a single entity.

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It’s all relevant, and Last is a bright and witty guide through all of it.

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He said that "they were similar characters, they were irascible, witty and caustic, and both were interested in writing".

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