in jest

idiom

formal + old-fashioned
: as a joke
I didn't mean to upset you; I only said it in jest.

Examples of in jest in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Promise to end Ukraine war in 24 hours was ‘in jest’ After pledging throughout his 2024 campaign to end the Russia-Ukraine war before even taking office, or within 24 hours of starting his term, Trump is nearing the end of his first 100 days without a breakthrough. Julia Mueller, The Hill, 25 Apr. 2025 Trump has floated the idea of running for a third term, sometimes seemingly in jest. Faisal Kutty, Newsweek, 12 Mar. 2025 The chant was immediately repeated from the away end, by the way, but in jest this time. Tim Spiers, New York Times, 21 Apr. 2025 Holland also noted that several Steelers fans were on board the flight, and comments were made in jest about Bradshaw getting out of his seat to potentially knock down the door. Chantz Martin, FOXNews.com, 12 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for in jest

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Cite this Entry

“In jest.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/in%20jest. Accessed 16 May. 2025.

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