Hilarious vs. Funny — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on September 30, 2023
"Hilarious" describes something extremely amusing, often causing loud laughter, while "Funny" is a broader term meaning something that's amusing or entertaining. Both relate to humor, but "hilarious" implies a stronger reaction.
Difference Between Hilarious and Funny
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
"Hilarious" and "Funny" are both adjectives that relate to humor, but they differ in intensity and application. Something deemed hilarious is not just amusing; it's exceptionally so. It's the kind of humor that might make someone laugh uncontrollably or for an extended period. On the contrary, "Funny" serves as a more general descriptor for anything that brings amusement or laughter, not necessarily to an extreme degree.
Imagine watching a comedy show. A joke that makes you smile or chuckle would be considered funny. However, if a joke leaves you laughing heartily, perhaps even bringing tears to your eyes, it would more likely be termed hilarious. In essence, "hilarious" is a step up from just "funny" in the world of comedy.
It's also worth noting that "Funny" carries versatility in its use. Beyond describing humor, "Funny" can denote something odd, strange, or out of the ordinary. For instance, a peculiar noise from a machine could be described as "funny." On the other hand, "hilarious" remains rooted in its association with intense amusement and doesn't share this versatility.
Lastly, context plays a pivotal role. Describing something as hilarious sets a high expectation for humor, and it might be disappointing if it doesn't deliver to that level. Conversely, labeling something as funny provides a wider berth, encompassing everything from mild amusement to hearty laughter.
Comparison Chart
Intensity
Extremely amusing, often causing hearty laughter.
Amusing in general, not necessarily to an extreme degree.
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Expectation
Sets a high bar for humor.
Offers a broader range of amusement.
Versatility
Primarily used to describe intense amusement.
Can describe humor, oddness, or something out of the norm.
Common Usage
"That joke was hilarious!"
"That's a funny story."
Synonyms
Side-splitting, uproarious.
Amusing, comical, odd.
Compare with Definitions
Hilarious
Extremely funny to the point of causing one to laugh uncontrollably.
The stand-up comedian delivered a hilarious performance.
Funny
Causing amusement or laughter.
She has a funny sense of humor.
Hilarious
Deserving of hearty laughter due to extreme amusement.
The movie was so hilarious that I couldn't stop laughing.
Funny
Odd or out of the ordinary.
There's a funny noise coming from the engine.
Hilarious
Inducing fits of laughter through comedic excellence.
His witty remarks were nothing short of hilarious.
Funny
Entertaining through humor or wit.
He told a funny joke at the party.
Hilarious
Evoking intense amusement or laughter.
His impersonations were absolutely hilarious.
Funny
Curious or strange in a humorous way.
It's funny how things turn out sometimes.
Hilarious
Marked by high levels of humor and jest.
She shared a hilarious anecdote from her childhood.
Funny
Worthy of a chuckle or light-hearted amusement.
She wore a funny hat to the event.
Hilarious
Extremely amusing
Her hilarious novel
Funny
Causing laughter or amusement; humorous
The play is hilariously funny
A funny story
Hilarious
Characterized by or causing great merriment.
Funny
Difficult to explain or understand; strange or odd
I had a funny feeling you'd be around
The funny thing is I can't remember much about it
I do get some funny looks
It's a funny old world
That's funny!—that vase of flowers has been moved
Hilarious
Very funny; causing great merriment and laughter.
A hilarious joke
Funny
Comic strips in newspapers
I read the sports page, funnies, and editorial
Hilarious
Full of hilarity; merry.
Funny
A joke or witty remark
He regaled his hosts with a few funnies
I was trying to make a funny, but failed miserably
Hilarious
Mirthful; noisy; merry.
Funny
Causing laughter or amusement
A funny cartoon.
Hilarious
Marked by or causing boisterous merriment or convulsive laughter;
Hilarious broad comedy
A screaming farce
Uproarious stories
Funny
Making or given to making amusing jokes or witticisms
A colleague who is very funny.
Funny
Appropriate as the subject of a joke; deserving of a joke. Used in negative sentences to express disapproval or to emphasize the seriousness of something
There is nothing funny about getting the flu.
Funny
Difficult to account for; unusual or odd
I had a funny feeling that she would call.
Funny
Suspiciously odd
It's funny how I seem to lose something every time he comes around.
Funny
Counterfeit or fraudulent
Tried to pass off funny money as legitimate.
Funny
(Informal) Somewhat ill, painful, or abnormal
I felt funny after eating those clams. "a mole on his arm that has started to go funny" (Ann Cummins).
Funny
Offensively forward or disrespectful
She told him off after he started to get funny.
Funny
Contrary to one's demands or expectations
Don't let the prisoners do anything funny.
Funny
A joke; a witticism
"He laughed because he did not know I was not making a funny" (Jonathan Safran Foer).
Funny
Comic strips.
Funny
The section of a newspaper containing comic strips.
Funny
Amusing; humorous; comical.
When I went to the circus, I only found the clowns funny.
Funny
Strange or unusual, often implying unpleasant.
The milk smelt funny so I poured it away.
I've got a funny feeling that this isn't going to work.
Funny
Showing unexpected resentment.
Funny
Homosexual; gay
Funny
(informal) A joke.
Funny
(informal) A comic strip.
Funny
(rowing) A rowboat with both ends pointed and out of the water.
Funny
(British) A narrow clinker-built boat for sculling.
Funny
(nonstandard) In an unusual manner; strangely.
Funny
In a manner seen as being typical of a homosexual, or indicating homosexuality
Funny
Droll; comical; amusing; laughable; inciting laughter.
Funny
A clinkerbuit, narrow boat for sculling.
Funny
Arousing or provoking laughter;
An amusing film with a steady stream of pranks and pratfalls
An amusing fellow
A comic hat
A comical look of surprise
Funny stories that made everybody laugh
A very funny writer
It would have been laughable if it hadn't hurt so much
A mirthful experience
Risible courtroom antics
Funny
Beyond or deviating from the usual or expected;
A curious hybrid accent
Her speech has a funny twang
They have some funny ideas about war
Had an odd name
The peculiar aromatic odor of cloves
Something definitely queer about this town
What a rum fellow
Singular behavior
Funny
Not as expected;
There was something fishy about the accident
Up to some funny business
Some definitely queer goings-on
A shady deal
Her motives were suspect
Suspicious behavior
Funny
Experiencing odd bodily sensations;
Told the doctor about the funny sensations in her chest
Funny
In a strange manner;
A queerly inscribed sheet of paper
He acted kind of funny
Funny
In a comical manner;
She acted comically
Common Curiosities
Are there situations where it's better to use "funny" over "hilarious"?
Absolutely. If you're describing mild amusement or something odd, "funny" is more appropriate.
Can "Funny" describe something other than humor?
Yes, "funny" can also describe something odd or peculiar.
Is it an exaggeration to describe a small joke as hilarious?
Possibly. Labeling something as "hilarious" sets a high expectation for humor.
What's a synonym for "hilarious"?
Uproarious or side-splitting can be synonyms for "hilarious."
Does "hilarious" imply louder or more uncontrollable laughter?
Typically, yes. "Hilarious" indicates something extremely amusing.
Does the term "funny bone" relate to humor?
Ironically, the "funny bone" refers to a spot on the elbow, and hitting it can cause a peculiar sensation, not necessarily humor.
Are there cultural differences in what's considered hilarious or funny?
Absolutely. Humor can be culturally specific, and what's hilarious in one culture might be just funny or even confusing in another.
Are both "Hilarious" and "Funny" used to describe humor?
Yes, both words relate to humor, but "hilarious" suggests a stronger reaction.
Can something be both funny and hilarious?
Yes, "hilarious" is like an intensified version of "funny."
Can a situation be funny without intending humor?
Yes, "funny" can describe unexpected or peculiar situations, even if they weren't meant to be humorous.
Why might someone choose "hilarious" over "funny" in a review?
Using "hilarious" suggests that the content provided intense amusement, more than just being "funny."
How often is "funny" used in daily conversations?
"Funny" is a versatile word and is frequently used in various contexts daily.
Can describing a situation as "funny" always mean it's humorous?
No, "funny" can also mean something is odd or out of the ordinary.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
