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

Examples Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for jocose
Adjective
  • Our gift to you: have yourself a merry little moment with giant pandas Bao Li and Qing Bao.
    Rachel Treisman, NPR, 24 Jan. 2025
  • The American musical before 1927 had been light stuff—part operetta, part revue—a merry playground for sparklers like George M. Cohan and Cole Porter.
    Helen Shaw, The New Yorker, 21 Jan. 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
  • More traditional entertainment was also on offer including a festive market, a song and dance number featuring Santa and an immersive pop-up ride to his workshop.
    Caroline Reid, Forbes, 18 Jan. 2025
  • Runners dressed in creative costumes gave the event a festive flair.
    Martie Bowser, Miami Herald, 17 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • But Lynch, who died last week, at seventy-eight, made films in which every cheerful surface seemed to obscure an eerie reality.
    Joshua Rothman, The New Yorker, 25 Jan. 2025
  • Videos of their vigorous, cheerful efforts soon went viral, drew international coverage and were a forceful counterpoint to Trump’s xenophobic insults.
    Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 21 Jan. 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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Thesaurus Entries Near jocose

Cite this Entry

“Jocose.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/jocose. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.

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