Definition

Relating to a form of wordplay that involves using similar-sounding words to create a humorous or rhetorical effect, often through puns.

Example

The comedian's paronomastic jokes had the audience laughing at the clever wordplay.

Conversation

Did you hear that comedian's jokes last night?

Yeah, they were so clever and paronomastic!

I love when they play with words like that.

Same here! It really makes the humor more interesting.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Paronomastic → It is formed from "paronomasia" (from Greek "paronomasia", meaning play on words) and the suffix "-tic" (meaning relating to). The word "paronomastic" refers to something that relates to or involves a play on words, often in a humorous or clever way.

Memory Tip

Think of 'paronomasia' which means a play on words, and remember that 'paronomastic' describes something related to that clever wordplay.

Visually Confused Words