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gallows humor

NOUN
humor derived from serious matters
Synonyms


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.

For local establishments, the newly offered specials are part gallows humor, part business gamble.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 8, 2025

“I meant it as a bit of gallows humor, but he answered by essentially saying, Actually, sort of,” Gluck, a journalist, writes in his forthcoming memoir, An Exercise in Uncertainty.

From Slate • May 2, 2025

Testifying Thursday, Davidson, who also represented adult film star Stormy Daniels, explained that the texts were a form of "gallows humor," NBC News reported.

From Salon • May 2, 2024

Meetings are marked by occasional gallows humor about what catastrophe lurks around the corner.

From New York Times • Feb. 26, 2024

I remember chinning myself on the top of a fence to see one such comedy show filled with gallows humor.

From "The Boy on the Wooden Box" by Leon Leyson



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