puns

NOUN

play on words

Synonyms

STRONGEST

double entendre joke quip

STRONG

ambiguity conceit paronomasia quibble witticism

WEAK

calembour double meaning equivoque

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

His quick wit, punchy puns and unique voice came through even on the page, and NBC took notice.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 13, 2026

The subject provides a bumper crop of puns.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 2, 2026

Filled with irreverent puns and ludicrous gadgets, the film boasts a vibrant and tactile style of animation that makes this a silly and frothy treat even adults will appreciate.

From Salon • Dec. 19, 2025

He followed it with a succession of intensely theatrical divertissements, often revolving around unexpected intellectual conceits or bizarre juxtapositions and featuring brilliant dialogue, puns, repartee, double meanings and misunderstandings.

From BBC • Nov. 29, 2025

She doesn’t know anyone else yet, so she still thinks my puns are funny and my sketchbook is cool.

From "Clairboyance" by Kristiana Kahakauwila