1
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
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
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
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of jocular
Even was talkative and jocular, telling stories about blowout parties in Marrakech.
—
Joel Khalili, Wired News, 17 Nov. 2025
That’s because of her bright and jocular storytelling.
—Mj Franklin, New York Times, 9 Oct. 2025
Modern American popular culture contains many jocular characters that resemble this folkloric bird, who is delightfully impervious to pain, from cartoon characters such as the Road Runner – an actual bird – to the foulmouthed, self-regenerating antihero Deadpool.
—Perin Gürel, The Conversation, 19 Aug. 2025
The film explicitly acknowledges that their sibling rivalry is very Thor and Loki, though the dynamic here is different with Wilson playing uptight preppy to Momoa’s jocular biker viking.
—A.a. Dowd, Vulture, 27 Feb. 2024
See All Example Sentences for jocular
Joel Khalili, Wired News, 17 Nov. 2025
That’s because of her bright and jocular storytelling.
—Mj Franklin, New York Times, 9 Oct. 2025
Modern American popular culture contains many jocular characters that resemble this folkloric bird, who is delightfully impervious to pain, from cartoon characters such as the Road Runner – an actual bird – to the foulmouthed, self-regenerating antihero Deadpool.
—Perin Gürel, The Conversation, 19 Aug. 2025
The film explicitly acknowledges that their sibling rivalry is very Thor and Loki, though the dynamic here is different with Wilson playing uptight preppy to Momoa’s jocular biker viking.
—A.a. Dowd, Vulture, 27 Feb. 2024
See All Example Sentences for jocular
Recent Examples of Synonyms for jocular
Adjective
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In the early 1990s, Stuart Smalley's humorous affirmations on SNL highlighted the power of self-coaching, a concept supported by psychologist Ethan Kross, who suggests that addressing oneself in the second person can alleviate anxiety and improve problem-solving by fostering a broader perspective.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
27 Mar. 2026
-
The unexpected may have a humorous twist.—
Dave Duffey,
Outdoor Life,
26 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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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
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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
-
Only a geeky, witty male pal (Jon Cryer) sees her worth, until one day, quite remarkably, rich-kid McCarthy takes an interest.—
Duane Byrge,
HollywoodReporter,
31 Mar. 2026
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As the two form a tentative connection, the grift is soon threatened in this sharply witty and entertaining new comedy from Oscar®-winner Steven Soderbergh.—
Matthew Carey,
Deadline,
31 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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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
-
More than this, or in spite of this, Tim was clever and silly.—
Cassandra Neyenesch,
New Yorker,
29 Mar. 2026
-
Mike & Nick & Nick & Alice is bursting with ideas that feel like clever marginalia on an otherwise familiar setup.—
Bilge Ebiri,
Vulture,
27 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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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
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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
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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
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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
Adjective
-
Your 11th House of Hopefulness lights up as enterprising Mars harmonizes with jovial Jupiter in your talkative 3rd house.—
Tarot.com,
Sun Sentinel,
21 Mar. 2026
-
The Kansas locker room felt jovial here in San Diego — more a reflection of the initial 32 minutes than the final eight of the just-find-a-way-to-hold-on win against California Baptist — but a booming voice still pierced through the noise.—
Sam McDowell,
Kansas City Star,
21 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Jocular.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/jocular. Accessed 2 Apr. 2026.
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