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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 of jocular in a Sentence

These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Recent Examples on the Web 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 The dealing might have been be a bit more jocular than usual, the bad hands not seeming as rough, and the bets maybe a bit more daring. Greg Cote, Miami Herald, 11 June 2024 See all Example Sentences for jocular 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for jocular
Adjective
  • Reddit Reacts Reddit users were entertained by the cake's humorous message.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024
  • Others offered a more humorous take on the situation, with one writing that whether the couple picks the name for a child depends largely on what the name actually is.
    Virginia Chamlee, People.com, 4 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Krampus Nacht attendees will have the opportunity to drink, be merry and throw axes in a series of challenges—after some practice with a professional.
    Cailey Gleeson, Journal Sentinel, 21 Oct. 2024
  • All his kills are righteous, all his women are gorgeous, all his men are merry.
    Sean T. Collins, Vulture, 22 Sep. 2024
Adjective
  • Kate often seems like a spin on C.J. Cregg, Janney’s character on The West Wing — assertive, witty, disinterested in fashion — and so the series casting Janney to play a foil for Kate felt inevitable.
    Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 1 Nov. 2024
  • Their campaigns and social are obviously very witty, very inventive.
    Chris Gardner, The Hollywood Reporter, 31 Oct. 2024
Adjective
  • These tunes usually begin to surge in November, as the days following Thanksgiving often signify the official start of the jolliest time of the year.
    Hugh McIntyre, Forbes, 2 Oct. 2024
  • The video is a love letter to Paris as seen through the jolly eyes of Jacquemus, and features a cast of characters and friends (of Nike, Jacquemus, and the designer himself) including Serena Williams, Manu Rios, Central Cee, Carine Roitfeld, Amina Muaddi, and many, many more.
    José Criales-Unzueta, Vogue, 10 July 2024
Adjective
  • Other clever design touches are everywhere, from plastic guyline clips made from a material that won’t crack even in temperatures as low as negative 60 Fahrenheit, to wraparound snowflaps that enable you to set the tent up without stakes in deep snow.
    Wes Siler, Outside Online, 6 Nov. 2024
  • Using clever shapes, colors and materials, the new styles truly push the boundaries of traditional eyewear into the end zone.
    Kasey Caminiti, USA TODAY, 4 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Champagne Toast 3-Wick Candle This fruity candle smells like a sparkling spritzer—perfect for setting the mood for a festive gathering.
    Christina Shepherd McGuire, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Nov. 2024
  • During the holiday season, travelers will find Christmas markets featuring Italian artisans, foods, and festive decor.
    Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 4 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • After a few still-entertaining but slightly off seasons, host Matt Lucas was replaced by Alison Hammond, whose cheerful ebullience has buoyed the vibes in the tent.
    Meredith Blake, Los Angeles Times, 5 Nov. 2024
  • Fans left with new friends and cheerful smiles, feeling lucky to have experienced all The Green Room had to offer, thanks to PATRÓN Tequila. Check out the full gallery HERE!
    Matt Tighe, Rolling Stone, 31 Oct. 2024
Adjective
  • Members of the band then burst through the door with a galvanizing musical salute that saw audiences cheer and clap along with jovial captivating.
    Sam Falb, Vogue, 4 Nov. 2024
  • In the morning, we were whisked away on the hotel's private gondola to the top of the mountain, where we were greeted with a festive atmosphere that included plenty of hot cocoa, warm fondue, and jovial spirits.
    Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 28 Oct. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near jocular

Cite this Entry

“Jocular.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/jocular. Accessed 17 Nov. 2024.

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