as in smiling
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as in laughing
to show mirth with an explosive vocal sound
everyone dutifully chuckled at the professor's intended jokes
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Recent Examples of chuckling
Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 22 Apr. 2026
To be fair, Dylan is also engaging in some territorial behaviors, like chuckling about Greg’s affinity for nuts and lightly putting a hand on his arm, so keep an eye on that space.
—Erin Qualey, Vulture, 6 Apr. 2026
In early February, Raphael Bostic sat on a stage chuckling, and a bit embarrassed, while his predecessor handed him a pair of gifts.
—Mirtha Donastorg, AJC.com, 27 Feb. 2026
In the front of the bus, Kilgo first started chuckling softly.
—Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 28 Jan. 2026
When that happens, press play on these funny Hanukkah songs that will have the whole family chuckling.
—Fiona Tapp, Parents, 16 Dec. 2025
Somewhere, Dan Lanning had to be chuckling at that one.
—Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 29 Nov. 2025
I'mPhaedra Trethan, chuckling over a discussion among colleagues about what to call the goo that comes out of whales' blowholes.
—Phaedra Trethan, USA Today, 20 Nov. 2025
These are uncontroversial jokes that aim to bring people together and get everyone chuckling or smiling along.
—Big Think, 5 Nov. 2025
Verb
Flying cows, fiddle-playing cats, and chuckling retrievers inhabit the space between ornate columns.
—Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 22 Apr. 2026
To be fair, Dylan is also engaging in some territorial behaviors, like chuckling about Greg’s affinity for nuts and lightly putting a hand on his arm, so keep an eye on that space.
—Erin Qualey, Vulture, 6 Apr. 2026
In early February, Raphael Bostic sat on a stage chuckling, and a bit embarrassed, while his predecessor handed him a pair of gifts.
—Mirtha Donastorg, AJC.com, 27 Feb. 2026
In the front of the bus, Kilgo first started chuckling softly.
—Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 28 Jan. 2026
When that happens, press play on these funny Hanukkah songs that will have the whole family chuckling.
—Fiona Tapp, Parents, 16 Dec. 2025
Somewhere, Dan Lanning had to be chuckling at that one.
—Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 29 Nov. 2025
I'mPhaedra Trethan, chuckling over a discussion among colleagues about what to call the goo that comes out of whales' blowholes.
—Phaedra Trethan, USA Today, 20 Nov. 2025
These are uncontroversial jokes that aim to bring people together and get everyone chuckling or smiling along.
—Big Think, 5 Nov. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for chuckling
Adjective
-
As Thomas’ parents, Katina Smith and Bobby Thomas, unveiled their son’s smiling statue in the Broncos’ Ring of Fame Plaza last Sunday, as scores of his former teammates looked on in sadness and joy, Miller was 800 miles away in Dallas, gearing up for a game against the Cowboys.—
Luca Evans,
Denver Post,
24 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Members of both chambers seemed to enjoy his 20-minute address, listening intently and laughing at the monarch’s jokes and giving him standing ovations.—
Kevin Liptak,
CNN Money,
28 Apr. 2026
-
Lucy Liu is spotted laughing on the set of Superfakes in Madison Square Park in New York City on April 27.—
Toria Sheffield,
PEOPLE,
28 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Obama’s staff would look less amused a few weeks later, as their boss hosted President-elect Trump at the White House.—
W. James Antle III,
The Washington Examiner,
25 Apr. 2026
-
The kids on This Is a Gardening Show appear to be very amused by you.—
Mikey O'Connell,
HollywoodReporter,
22 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Shadows and strange sounds can set imaginations whirring—from the guttural roar of a hunting lion to the giggling calls of a feasting hyena pack.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
24 Apr. 2026
-
In a matter of minutes the best of friends go from being giggling buddies to making bitchy remarks, then hurtful revelations, all with little motivation or sense.—
Frank Rizzo,
Variety,
23 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Haim managed to put on a show that felt about 95% mirthful while still honoring the integrity of the new songs that dig emotionally deeper.—
Chris Willman,
Variety,
14 Oct. 2025
-
There’s a mirthful sparkle to the crowd, guests and crew alike, especially apparent given our close quarters on the train.—
Matt Ortile,
Condé Nast Traveler,
8 Aug. 2024
Adjective
-
Through gleeful anarchy, a variety of filters, and a kinetic score, the two Maries spoil themselves with sweets, outwit suitors, and desecrate the rituals of fine dining in a glorious climax of rebellion.—
Jennifer Noyes,
Air Mail,
25 Apr. 2026
-
This relic of a production, however, doesn’t feel particularly dangerous, shocking or even gleeful.—
Frank Rizzo,
Variety,
24 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
The series opens with Niall’s jovial Scottish wedding.—
Daniel Fienberg,
HollywoodReporter,
21 Apr. 2026
-
In New Orleans, one of the earliest slammers was a jovial fellow named Damian Labeaud, who, starting in 2010, recruited passengers from the local community with the promise of insurance payouts, then took them hunting on the freeway for a truck.—
Patrick Radden Keefe,
New Yorker,
13 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Chuckling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/chuckling. Accessed 1 May. 2026.
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