If the novel you’re writing is a comedy and you need some words to describe a person who is funny, below are 10 adjectives to help you.
1. Hilarious
Definition
Something or someone extremely funny or entertaining.
Examples
“He was hilarious, and he sent everyone he met into fits of laughter.”
“She thought he was utterly hilarious, and her stomach ached from the constant giggles.”
How it Adds Description
If your funny character evokes excessive laughter and always makes others smile, the word “hilarious” will help your audience understand their comedic streak. This adjective shows they’re a person with a talent for jokes and comedy.
2. Amusing
Definition
Something or someone that makes others intrigued or smile.
Examples
“They couldn’t deny that he was amusing, and he fit into the friendship group without fuss.”
“He was an amusing guy and he often found others were drawn to him without him even trying.”
How it Adds Description
The word “amusing” perfectly describes characters who are naturally funny, but not on the level of comedians. For example, an “amusing” character naturally makes their friends laugh, but they don’t resort to stand-up comedy-like routines to get a giggle. This adjective is a great way to portray a positive type of humor.
3. Nonsensical
Definition
Something or someone that doesn’t make sense.
Examples
“She was utterly nonsensical, but it made all the teachers smile.”
“The teacher watched the nonsensical girl, her actions were random yet she was confident in each task.”
How it Adds Description
The word “nonsensical” points to actions or behaviors that aren’t normal or logical, and this is a common trope for funny characters. Using the adjective “nonsensical” can emphasize your funny character’s habits, painting a clearer image of their personality to the reader.
4. Bizarre
Definition
Someone that’s strange, odd, or acts without reason.
Examples
“He was a bizarre child, and the local parents often wondered why his parents let him get away with so much.”
“Though she was bizarre, many admired her kind manner.”
How it Adds Description
Funny doesn’t always have to be about jokes — it can also reference strange actions. If you want to convey a funny character’s differences, the word ‘“bizarre” can help. This word shows your character is slightly odd or funny, but acts in a harmless way.
5. Witty
Definition
Someone that’s funny or amusing in a clever way.
Examples
“No one was quicker to the punchline than him, and many of his colleagues approved of his witty behavior.”
“When it came to being witty, he would always win the first prize.”
How it Adds Description
Humor comes in all shapes and sizes. If your character is extremely clever and a fan of dry humor, “witty” is an appropriate word to describe them. This adjective points towards an intelligent personality that frequently makes funny quips. The word can also show your reader that the character isn’t scared to upset others, as “witty” humor often pokes fun at specific people or ideologies.
6. Curious
Definition
Someone that’s different, unusual, or tough to understand.
Examples
“He was a curious fellow, but his unique behavior constantly made others smile and laugh.”
“His curious behavior lit up other’s faces. Though he didn’t mean to be, he was a consistent source of entertainment for them.”
How it Adds Description
If your character is funny due to their strange actions or without purpose, they could be “curious”. This adjective tends to describe characters who are unconventional, as they amuse others with their unique ways. For example, “curious” is a great word to describe a funny character while implying the narrator wants to understand them better.
7. Droll
Definition
A person who’s amusing or funny, often in an unexpected way.
Examples
“The team had a droll sense of humor, it shocked newcomers but there was never any malice involved.”
“His droll jokes were funny, but not always welcomed in the team meetings.”
How it Adds Description
If you’re writing a character that continuously makes jokes, even when not appropriate, you might want to use the word “droll”. This adjective points to someone that makes amusing jokes in odd or unexpected situations. Often, this word is also associated with off-beat humor, so note this down if you want to ensure the reader separates your character from typical funny tropes.
8. Hysterical
Definition
Someone who is panicked, angry, or uncontrollably excited.
Examples
“Her hysterical nature left many shocked, but soon after they were laughing thanks to her penchant for humor.”
“He was simply hysterical, and as soon as they watched his act they knew he was the comedian for their party.”
How it Adds Description
Though the word “hysterical” can be linked to extreme emotions, it also refers to over-the-top personalities or uncontrolled excitement. If your character is the loudest in the room or always performing for laughs, the word “hysterical” can be used to describe them. However, make sure you use this word for genuinely funny characters, not ones that try to be funny and miss the mark!
9. Loony
Definition
Someone with eccentric, strange, or mad behavior.
Examples
“She’s the local loony, but don’t be scared of her — she means well and is super confident once you get to know her!”
“He’s as loony as a clown! However, he’s ultimately harmless, don’t let him get under your skin.”
How it Adds Description
The word “loony” is often associated with madness, but it can be used to convey a character’s quirky or funny personality. If you’re writing about a person that doesn’t fit in but is kind and funny, “loony” can help you showcase their character to your audience.
10. Ridiculous
Definition
Someone or something very foolish.
Examples
“He was a ridiculous lad, and this only made her more fond of him.”
“She said the most ridiculous things, but they were welcomed in the non-judgmental space.”
How it Adds Description
If your character is funny in an odd way, the word “ridiculous” can help you convey their eccentric behavior. Unlike typical humorous types, “ridiculous” characters tend to use out-of-the-box thinking and entertain others without meaning to. The word “ridiculous” can also signal the character’s lack of understanding of the world, this foreshadowing certain plot points in the future.