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

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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
  • Despite the merry mix-up, Sustr successfully put the ball in the net with 21:17 left for the Knights, who held on for a 2-1 victory in a Windy City Ram Classic second-round game in New Lenox.
    Jeff Vorva, Chicago Tribune, 21 Mar. 2025
  • The merry month of May used to be an outlier on the Red Rocks Amphitheatre calendar, and any artist that dared book past September tempted the wrath of show-stopping cold and snow.
    John Wenzel, The Denver Post, 7 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • The same jolly collection also returns to the Top Streaming Albums chart for another year.
    Hugh McIntyre, Forbes, 4 Jan. 2025
  • Winter break is a jolly time of the year for many children.
    Holly Garcia, Parents, 31 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • The clip showed life before the tragedy — carpool rides and sing-a-longs with the kids as well as festive house parties with the neighbors gathered together — followed by Céline finding her son Max seconds too late, and the torment both families faced as a result.
    Angel Saunders, People.com, 19 Mar. 2025
  • The festive evening, which includes cuisine from Arthur’s, an open bar and a silent auction, begins at 5 p.m. March 30 at the Lowndes Shakespeare Center, 812 E. Rollins St. in Orlando.
    Matthew J. Palm, Orlando Sentinel, 19 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Leaders who rely too heavily on a cheerful facade risk creating a culture where pressing issues go unaddressed.
    Vibhas Ratanjee, Forbes, 25 Mar. 2025
  • Save: La Santa Open for lunch and dinner, this restaurant offers tacos, enchiladas, and other Mexican favorites in a cheerful, modern space.
    Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 23 Mar. 2025
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.

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Cite this Entry

“Jocose.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/jocose. Accessed 2 Apr. 2025.

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