Synonyms for

Pun

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

Definition

A pun is a play on words that uses different meanings of the same word or words that sound similar but have different meanings to create humor.

Synonyms & similar words

punning paronomasia wordplay wordplay witticism joke quip wisecrack punchline gag one-liner jape cliché epigram aphorism metaphor simile analogy paronomasia

Synonyms by register

Formal

double entendre wordplay wit

Informal

gag joke quip zinger

Literary

conceit jeu d'esprit

Antonyms

seriousness literalness plainness directness gravity earnestness

Common collocations

  • make a pun
  • tell a pun
  • groan-worthy pun
  • bad pun
  • clever pun
  • pun intended
  • pun on words

Word family

noun pun
verb pun

Usage note

A pun is a form of wordplay that exploits multiple meanings of a term, or of similar-sounding words, for an intended humorous or rhetorical effect. While often considered lighthearted, puns can sometimes be perceived as trite or overused.

Example sentences

  1. 1. The pun made everyone at the party laugh.
  2. 2. I love making puns with my friends.
  3. 3. The newspaper cartoon had a clever pun in it.
  4. 4. The pun in the title of the book was very witty.
  5. 5. The teacher appreciated the pun in the student's essay.

Quotes

  • 1. 'I used to play piano by ear, but now I use my hands.' -Unknown
  • 2. 'I'm reading a book on the history of glue - I just can't seem to put it down.' -Unknown
  • 3. 'I'm on a whiskey diet. I've lost three days already.' -Tommy Cooper

Try these popular words

the and that for you with was this are have not from

Practice

Play the Word Synonyms game · Choose level (start near 1)

Worksheets

Grade 4 · Grade 5 · Grade 6

Topics

Guides

Explore more words