JOCULAR Synonyms: 209 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'jocular' distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of jocular are facetious , humorous , jocose , and witty . While all these words mean "provoking or intended to provoke laughter," jocular implies a usually habitual fondness for jesting and joking. // a jocular fellow

Q: When can 'facetious' be used instead of 'jocular'?

Although the words facetious and jocular have much in common, facetious stresses a desire to produce laughter and may be derogatory in implying dubious or ill-timed attempts at wit or humor. // facetious comments

Q: When might 'humorous' be a better fit than 'jocular'?

While the synonyms humorous and jocular are close in meaning, humorous applies broadly to anything that evokes usually genial laughter and may contrast with witty in suggesting whimsicality or eccentricity. // humorous anecdotes

Q: How are the words 'jocose' and 'facetious' related as synonyms of 'jocular'?

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

Q: Where would 'witty' be a reasonable alternative to 'jocular'?

While in some cases nearly identical to jocular , witty suggests cleverness and quickness of mind. // a witty remark

jocular

adjective

ˈjä-kyə-lər

Definition of jocular next

as in humorous

given to or marked by mature intelligent humor made the jocular observation that the best way to make a small fortune in the wine business is to start off with a large fortune

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in merry

indicative of or marked by high spirits or good humor the children at the library were charmed by the jocular storyteller

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word jocular distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of jocular are facetious, humorous, jocose, and witty. While all these words mean "provoking or intended to provoke laughter," jocular implies a usually habitual fondness for jesting and joking.

a jocular fellow

When can facetious be used instead of jocular?

Although the words facetious and jocular have much in common, 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 might humorous be a better fit than jocular?

While the synonyms humorous and jocular are close in meaning, 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 as synonyms of jocular?

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

jocose proposals

Where would witty be a reasonable alternative to jocular?

While in some cases nearly identical to jocular, 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 jocular The cast is unmatched and the pace jocular, but its greatest trick is managing to maintain an element of uncertainty and suspense. —

Declan Gallagher, EW.com, 7 Sep. 2024 Pitt’s chuckles throughout the often jocular interview hinted that perhaps Clooney’s tough words should be taken with a grain of salt. —

Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 13 Aug. 2024 At this point, a jocular Midwestern dad who advised a gay-straight alliance while coaching the high school football team is basically their worst nightmare. —

Samantha Allen, Them, 7 Aug. 2024 Theroux is the perfect guide for this journey, which might have collapsed under its own weight with a less jocular presenter at the helm. —

Declan Gallagher, EW.com, 31 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for jocular

Recent Examples of Synonyms for jocular

Adjective

But if the feedback from the audience is any indication, this sometimes humorous and always emotional generational family tale will one day have a real opening night.

— Denise Crosby, Chicago Tribune, 11 Feb. 2025
White sprinkles in archival footage exploring the couple’s trajectory and Gibson’s career, but his subjects’ raw, often humorous testimonies—about mortality, sexuality, and gender identity—are most illuminating.

— David Sims, The Atlantic, 7 Feb. 2025