witty

[ wit-ee ]

adjective

, wit·ti·er, wit·ti·est.

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

Derived Forms

• ˈwittily, adverb
• ˈwittiness, noun

Other Words From

• wit·ti·ly adverb
• wit·ti·ness 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

Jeremy Dauber’s ‘American Scary’ is a thorough, witty, enlightening survey of our fascination with horror in all its forms and its intimate relationship with reality.

From Los Angeles Times

He was a Republican of the Lincoln mold — honest, fearless, witty and ecumenically beloved.

From Los Angeles Times

A witty and brilliant debater, he did not always show the best judgement.

From BBC

She was intelligent, witty and kind, and she shared my love of making music.

From Los Angeles Times

“I am not only witty in myself, but the cause that wit is in other men,” Falstaff declared.

From Salon