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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

Examples 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 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 There’s also a jocular song about Andy Warhol written by Maestro Gaxiola, a California artist and bodybuilder, culled from a 1986 cassette. Simon Montlake, The Christian Science Monitor, 11 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for jocular 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for jocular
Adjective
  • Despite the humorous discouragement from her friends and family, Hurosky remains committed to her goal with a slight modification.
    Ashley Vega, People.com, 10 Jan. 2025
  • The actress also shared stories about learning Russian for the film and a humorous boating incident.
    Ty Gaskins, WWD, 9 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Bringing his Rolling Thunder Revue tour to small stages across the nation, Dylan and his band of merry pranksters (Allen Ginsberg, Joni Mitchell, Joan Baez) played music… and so much more.
    Debby Wolfinsohn, EW.com, 11 Jan. 2025
  • Though drinking spikes during the holidays − 47% of men and 40% of women admitted to binge drinking during the merry season, according to American Addiction Centers − more adults are actually interested in sobering up.
    Greta Cross, USA TODAY, 1 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • The show, lead by the talented Jean Smart, is clever, witty and takes the mundane and is laugh out loud funny.
    Tribune Content Agency, The Mercury News, 8 Jan. 2025
  • Britt Lower, Patricia Arquette, and Christopher Walken co-star in this incredibly smart and witty sci-fi drama.
    Brian Tallerico, Vulture, 6 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
  • The first was a clever deflection off the skate and the other was a shot off the post that made the in-arena staff blow the goal horn.
    Omar White, The Athletic, 4 Jan. 2025
  • The timing is also clever because one of the service’s biggest hits, Severance, is about to launch its second series.
    David Phelan, Forbes, 4 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • The cobalt blue, ruby red, and emerald green are gorgeous for a festive Christmas tablescape, while pink, green, and purple are perfect for a spring occasion or Easter.
    Heather Bien, Southern Living, 7 Jan. 2025
  • Elle Fanning, Kate Beckinsale and more stars switched up their Golden Globes red carpet looks for festive afterparty outfits.
    Meredith Nardino, Miami Herald, 6 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Single Woman Defies Stigmas By Sending Out Solo Holiday Cards By Melissa Fleur Afshar Life and Trends Reporter 0 Holiday cards are a cherished tradition, with cheerful family portraits gracing refrigerators nationwide each December.
    Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 13 Jan. 2025
  • Pansies bloom for up to six months, coloring the winter garden in a range of cheerful hues.
    Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 11 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • In addition to the daily forecast, the jovial morning show institution has shown audiences the importance of health and wellness.
    Rachel Murphy, Health, 8 Jan. 2025
  • Because on this evening in the visiting locker room at Allegiant Stadium, the Chargers were jovial.
    Daniel Popper, The Athletic, 5 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near jocular

Cite this Entry

“Jocular.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/jocular. Accessed 17 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on jocular

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