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

“The lyrics were just very conversational. It was witty; it was self-aware; it was irreverent.”

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Their work has been seen as reflecting their vastly different personas—Manet the dashing, witty, impetuous flâneur; Morisot the reserved, intelligent and exceedingly decorous bourgeoise—through the lens of their separate worlds.

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West End Girl marries all of those emotions to pithy, witty storytelling that's been Allen's trademark since her debut, Alright, Still in 2006.

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As played by Hawke, Hart adores holding court, entertaining his captive audience with witty put-downs and gossipy Broadway anecdotes.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Keaton plays that mistress, Mary Wilkie, and her depiction of the witty, wry, journalist with a robust social calendar and strong opinions that she never hesitates to express, is among her most seminal performances.

Read more on Los Angeles Times