Definition of jocosenext
as in merry
indicative of or marked by high spirits or good humor the comedian's jocose introductions kept the awards ceremony from becoming a stodgy affair

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word jocose distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of jocose are facetious, humorous, jocular, and witty. While all these words mean "provoking or intended to provoke laughter," jocose is somewhat less derogatory than facetious in suggesting habitual waggishness or playfulness.

jocose proposals

When could facetious be used to replace jocose?

The words facetious and jocose are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 jocose?

The meanings of humorous and jocose largely overlap; however, humorous applies broadly to anything that evokes usually genial laughter and may contrast with witty in suggesting whimsicality or eccentricity.

humorous anecdotes

When can jocular be used instead of jocose?

Although the words jocular and jocose have much in common, jocular implies a usually habitual fondness for jesting and joking.

a jocular fellow

When would witty be a good substitute for jocose?

The words witty and jocose can be used in similar contexts, but witty suggests cleverness and quickness of mind.

a witty remark

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for jocose
Adjective
  • Petrie, Doz and Morrow play multiple roles, including a gossipy Greek chorus and the band of merry fisherman (truly an astonishing array of Canadian accent work on display).
    Katie Walsh, Los Angeles Times, 27 Mar. 2026
  • These are the chapters that feature the merry trickster of the forest, Tom Bombadil, a classic fiddle-dee-dee-mischief type who waylays the hobbits at the onset of their quest.
    Rebecca Alter, Vulture, 25 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Of course, even for me there were still some jolly moments.
    Christine Smallwood, Harpers Magazine, 24 Mar. 2026
  • Vivacious Mars dances with jolly Jupiter, energizing your 6th House of Practice and your 10th House of Ambition.
    Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 21 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Both will feel at home and have large South Florida fan followings, which will make for a festive atmosphere at Hard Rock Stadium.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 28 Mar. 2026
  • Ahead of the Phillies' Opening Day at Citizens Bank Park, there's a festive atmosphere at Victus Sports.
    Nikki DeMentri, CBS News, 26 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • The less cheerful part of all this is that Great America is unlikely to celebrate a 52nd birthday.
    Sal Pizarro, Mercury News, 26 Mar. 2026
  • For generations of Valley families, this scene has unfolded at Castles N' Coasters, a cheerful outpost of fun in the desert that lives in nearly everyone's memory.
    Tiffany Acosta, AZCentral.com, 25 Mar. 2026
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.

Browse Nearby Words

Podcast

Cite this Entry

“Jocose.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/jocose. Accessed 2 Apr. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on jocose

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster