Synonyms for Hilarious
Updated · Synonyms List editorial team
Quick answer: When you need another word for hilarious, consider various alternatives that capture different shades of humor. Hilarious describes something extremely funny, often causing uncontrollable laughter. You might choose synonyms based on whether the context is formal, informal, or simply requires a stronger punchline for your story or joke.
Closest Synonyms for Hilarious
- funny
- General amusement without extreme intensity, like telling a funny joke at a party.
- amusing
- Pleasantly entertaining, such as watching an amusing magic trick on stage.
- comic
- Designed to provoke laughter, like a comic sketch in a television show.
- jovial
- Cheerful and friendly, often appearing jovial during a group game.
- droll
- Slightly funny and old-fashioned, describing a droll remark made by an uncle.
- humorous
- Intentionally witty, found in a humorous book written by a famous author.
- witty
- Quick and clever, seen in a witty exchange between two friends.
- mirthful
- Full of joy and laughter, like a mirthful crowd at a festival.
- ludicrous
- So absurd it becomes funny, like a ludicrous plan to fly on clouds.
- facetious
- Treating serious subjects lightly, often appearing facetious in a debate.
- giggle
- Soft laughter, heard when someone sees a giggling cartoon character.
- cheeky
- Playfully bold, like a cheeky comment made during a game.
Formal Synonyms for Hilarious
- jocular
- Playful and marked by amusement, often seen in lighthearted conversation
- joking
- Acting in a humorous or playful manner, as when teasing a friend
- grinning
- Smiling broadly with teeth showing, typically during a funny scene
- cheerful
- Optimistic and happy, often spreading good vibes like a sunny day
- ribald
- Containing crude or coarse humor, sometimes found in old novels
- japey
- Involving tricks or pranks, much like a playful riddle or game
Informal Synonyms for Hilarious
- deadpan
- delivers a funny line with a completely serious face
- comical
- looks or acts like something from a comedy show
- gigantic
- makes laughter feel as big as a giant mountain
- rib-ticking
- causes a sudden fit of laughter
- goofy
- behaves in a silly and harmless manner
- snicker-worthy
- makes people chuckle quietly at a joke
- fun-filled
- contains many activities that cause joy
Stronger and Weaker Words
- laughable
- stronger
- silly
- weaker
- ridiculous
- stronger
- absurd
- stronger
- entertaining
- weaker
- preposterous
- stronger
- hysterical
- stronger, use for uncontrollable laughter
- incredible
- stronger, use for amazing reactions
- chuckle-worthy
- weaker, use for a gentle laugh
Antonyms for Hilarious
- boring
- dull
- tedious
- uninteresting
- unamusing
- painful
- humdrum
- monotonous
- flat
- stifling
- deadening
- unexciting
- somber
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between hilarious and funny?
Funny covers a broad range of amusement, while hilarious implies a much higher level of hilarity that often makes people laugh out loud without stopping.
Can I use hilarious in formal writing?
It is best to use stronger or more precise words in formal contexts, as hilarious can feel too casual for academic or professional documents.
What are some informal ways to say hilarious?
Common informal options include laugh-out-loud, killer, or hoot, which convey a very strong sense of humor in casual conversation.
Are there antonyms for hilarious?
Yes, words like sad, boring, serious, or dull serve as opposites, indicating a lack of humor or the presence of somber emotions instead.
