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Synonym Chooser

How is the word facetious distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of facetious are humorous, jocose, jocular, and witty. While all these words mean "provoking or intended to provoke laughter," facetious stresses a desire to produce laughter and may be derogatory in implying dubious or ill-timed attempts at wit or humor.

facetious comments

When is humorous a more appropriate choice than facetious?

The words humorous and facetious can be used in similar contexts, but humorous applies broadly to anything that evokes usually genial laughter and may contrast with witty in suggesting whimsicality or eccentricity.

humorous anecdotes

How are the words jocose and facetious related?

Jocose is somewhat less derogatory than facetious in suggesting habitual waggishness or playfulness.

jocose proposals

When can jocular be used instead of facetious?

The synonyms jocular and facetious are sometimes interchangeable, but jocular implies a usually habitual fondness for jesting and joking.

a jocular fellow

When could witty be used to replace facetious?

While the synonyms witty and facetious are close in meaning, witty suggests cleverness and quickness of mind.

a witty remark

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of facetious Trump has been pushing an imperialist vision that includes U.S. acquisition of Greenland, Panama, and — on a more facetious note — Canada. Andrew Solender, Axios, 7 Jan. 2025 That quip no longer seems so facetious as a son of exiles who fled their homeland prepares to become America’s top diplomat. Patrick Oppmann, CNN, 8 Dec. 2024 Some also expressed facetious disdain for how much money Downey must have accepted to come back to Marvel, suspecting a lucrative deal. Angela Yang, NBC News, 28 July 2024 Maher’s power is the fascination his facetious commentary holds for other, less secure pundits. Armond White, National Review, 7 June 2024 See All Example Sentences for facetious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for facetious
Adjective
  • Britt Lower, Patricia Arquette, and Christopher Walken co-star in this incredibly smart and witty sci-fi drama.
    Brian Tallerico, Vulture, 18 Apr. 2025
  • Heckerling's 1995 film, a loose adaptation of Jane Austen's witty novel of young love, Emma, centers on Silverstone's sunny, good-hearted, yet at times slightly daft heroine.
    Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 17 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Snake Bird Vintage has a fantastic array of clothing and accessories in a cute repurposed garage.
    Kara Franker, Southern Living, 13 Apr. 2025
  • His grousing is interrupted by some very cute uncle moments with Maria and Tommy’s son, Benji, then Joel takes off just as Tommy gets back.
    Kimberly Roots, TVLine, 13 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Early implementations have experienced technical glitches, such as those occasionally seen in MLB's 3D broadcasts, which sometimes led to humorous but unintended visual effects.
    Kurt Knutsson, CyberGuy Report, FOXNews.com, 17 Apr. 2025
  • The off-beat ads and humorous posters have only stoked fan conversation about what, exactly, this project is and what on earth is going on with the asterisk in the title.
    Eliana Dockterman, Time, 17 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The art of bluffing in itself, which is what the movie is all about, isn’t something to be flippant about.
    Lily Ford, The Hollywood Reporter, 24 Feb. 2025
  • Claiming ignorance or hyper-fixating on a flippant detail from the past gets us nowhere.
    Claire Franken, TVLine, 23 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • The lingo, the faces, the concerns – all seemed, if not entirely authentic, then at least clever enough to create some backstage buzz.
    Greg Evans, Deadline, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Just make sure your clever solution doesn’t create additional fire hazards i.e. don’t hide cords under a rug.
    Maddie Topliff, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Pearl Breed: Pit terrier mix Age: 2 years old Pearl is a cuddly, goofy, playful pup looking for her forever home.
    Trish Stinger, Kansas City Star, 9 Apr. 2025
  • This delightfully playful scent emulates the popstar’s flirty energy courtesy of a dazzling blend of vine-ripe cherries spiked with plum nectar, that’s then deepened with dark chocolate, patchouli, and vanilla orchid.
    Mary Honkus, Glamour, 8 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Facetious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/facetious. Accessed 21 Apr. 2025.

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