Synonyms for

Kidding

Verb / ˈkɪdɪŋ / Another word for kidding — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

to tease or joke around with someone in a playful or good-natured way

Synonyms & similar words

josh jolly banter kid chaff pullthelegof joking teasing fooling jesting ribbing bantering mocking taunting ridiculing humoring mimicking pranking trifling playing pretending tricking joshing

Synonyms by register

Formal

jesting bantering joking

Informal

joking messing around pulling someone's leg teasing

Literary

quipping jesting

Antonyms

serious earnest truthful sincere actual real

Common collocations

  • just kidding
  • kidding around
  • kidding me
  • kidding myself
  • stop kidding
  • no kidding
  • kidding aside

Word family

noun kid
verb kid
adjective kiddish

Usage note

Kidding is an informal term. While it can be used in most contexts, more formal situations might call for 'jesting' or 'joking'.

Example sentences

  1. I was just kidding when I said your hair looked like a bird's nest.
  2. Don't take everything I say seriously, sometimes I'm just kidding around.
  3. My little brother loves to kid around and make silly faces.
  4. I didn't mean to offend you, I was just kidding.
  5. Sometimes it's hard to tell if someone is kidding or being serious.

Quotes

  • I'm not kidding anyone about anything anymore. I'm just going to be honest.
  • I wasn't kidding about the stars, either. I meant everything I said. I think you're beautiful.
  • I'm not kidding when I say that I'm grateful for every moment.

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