1
as in comedian
a person (as a writer) noted for or specializing in humor
a gentle jester, the cartoonist more often tries to evoke a broad smile than a hearty guffaw
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2
as in clown
a person formerly kept in a royal or noble household to amuse with jests and pranks
the king called for some much-needed entertainment from his jester
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of jester
Her classic court jester suit has attracted lots of searches from costume planners this year.
—
The Indianapolis Star, 16 Oct. 2024
Either way, Folie à Deux signals the dawn of a new era for the real Joker who killed Arthur, while our anti-hero ended up as but a mere societal outcast, a jester for humiliation the whole time.
—Joey Nolfi, EW.com, 5 Oct. 2024
Fans wouldn’t learn Harley’s origin story until December 1993, when the special standalone B:TAS comic book Mad Love hit shelves, revealing Harley as Harleen Quinzel, a psychiatrist who abandoned her old self to become Joker’s adoring — and heavily abused — jester.
—Samantha Riedel, Them, 3 Oct. 2024
Late-night comics, the Democratic Party’s court jesters, mocked him.
—Matthew Continetti, National Review, 27 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for jester 
The Indianapolis Star, 16 Oct. 2024
Either way, Folie à Deux signals the dawn of a new era for the real Joker who killed Arthur, while our anti-hero ended up as but a mere societal outcast, a jester for humiliation the whole time.
—Joey Nolfi, EW.com, 5 Oct. 2024
Fans wouldn’t learn Harley’s origin story until December 1993, when the special standalone B:TAS comic book Mad Love hit shelves, revealing Harley as Harleen Quinzel, a psychiatrist who abandoned her old self to become Joker’s adoring — and heavily abused — jester.
—Samantha Riedel, Them, 3 Oct. 2024
Late-night comics, the Democratic Party’s court jesters, mocked him.
—Matthew Continetti, National Review, 27 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for jester
Recent Examples of Synonyms for jester
Noun
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Rogan has discussed the heartbreaking impacts of the fires in the past, such as in conversation with comedian Sam Morril on the JRE episode No. 2178.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
Newsweek,
6 Feb. 2025
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My normal life is focused on being a stand-up comedian.—
Julie Seabaugh,
Los Angeles Times,
6 Feb. 2025
Noun
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While the aforementioned gamer creep threatens to rob us of silly confrontational television, there’s been one thing stopping them and making season three entertaining: The Traitors picked this season are dysfunctional clowns.—
Alex Abad-Santos,
Vox,
6 Feb. 2025
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There was a good joke buried in that conceit: maybe only clowns spend as much time in the makeup chair as the drag artists that have provided Roan the inspiration for her primary look.—
Chris Willman,
Variety,
3 Feb. 2025
Noun
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Depending on Trump’s demands, even states that are traditional U.S. partners could conclude that signing any deals with the United States is a fool’s errand because, eventually, Trump will issue even stronger demands in the future.—
Daniel DePetris,
Chicago Tribune,
6 Feb. 2025
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Trump’s Insane Clown Posse Cabinet is very close to being filled with a cadre of fools and quacks, goons and thugs.—
S.E. Cupp,
New York Daily News,
4 Feb. 2025
Noun
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But this harlequin moll can’t match Joker’s lunacy as either lawbreaker or musician.—
Armond White,
National Review,
29 Nov. 2024
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The doll, which is called the Witch Weaver, wears flared bell-bottoms, a gossamer harlequin blouse, gold waistcoat and crystal headpiece — taking inspiration from Reed’s signature design codes, personal style and even Lady Gaga.—
Violet Goldstone,
WWD,
21 Nov. 2024
Noun
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Variations of the game include the mahjong card in America, which is used for scoring, and eight joker tiles; in Singapore, the game is played with four extra tiles, which are decorated with animals.—
Claire Turrell,
Smithsonian Magazine,
7 Feb. 2025
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Students are required to bring two full decks of cards including the jokers.—
Kris Slugg,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
27 Jan. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Jester.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/jester. Accessed 19 Feb. 2025.
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