1
as in merry
indicative of or marked by high spirits or good humor
an especially jolly crowd of well-wishers at their wedding reception
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in pleasant
giving pleasure or contentment to the mind or senses
we always have a jolly time at their seaside cottage
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in very
to a great degree
I jolly well agree that you did the right thing has become a jolly careful driver since his recent accident
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in to joke
to make jokes
spent their nights around the campfire good-naturedly jollying and telling scary stories
Synonyms & Similar Words
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 jolly
Ty Gaskins, WWD, 26 Dec. 2024
As the jolliest day of the year inches closer, the sibling group breaks into the top 10 on a handful of tallies, as both their singles and at least one album are on the rise.
—Hugh McIntyre, Forbes, 23 Dec. 2024
Peter Debruge, Variety, 16 Feb. 2025
Demi Moore is having a jolly good time with her family this holiday season!
—Angel Saunders, People.com, 27 Dec. 2024
The Economist, 21 Sep. 2019
So Watt sets out to convince them that the real killer is Peter Manuel by — wait for it! — taking him out on a bender and jollying him into a confession.
—Marilyn Stasio, New York Times, 19 May 2017
See All Example Sentences for jolly
Adjective
The shiny, vinyl-like fabric gave the look a modern, sporty edge, tying it back to the game-day setting.
Mahomes and Kelce paired the festive jolly coats with their red and white Chiefs uniforms, blending seamlessly with the football team’s signature colors.
—Ty Gaskins, WWD, 26 Dec. 2024
As the jolliest day of the year inches closer, the sibling group breaks into the top 10 on a handful of tallies, as both their singles and at least one album are on the rise.
—Hugh McIntyre, Forbes, 23 Dec. 2024
Adverb
Now would be a good time to think about her bucket list, suggests a jolly co-worker (Rosa Malagueta), who coaxes out of Tereza her greatest desire: to ride in an airplane.
—Peter Debruge, Variety, 16 Feb. 2025
Demi Moore is having a jolly good time with her family this holiday season!
—Angel Saunders, People.com, 27 Dec. 2024
Verb
As to the political will needed to jolly the process along, and arrange payment for those parts of the programme that will not pay for themselves, this can push both ways.
—The Economist, 21 Sep. 2019
So Watt sets out to convince them that the real killer is Peter Manuel by — wait for it! — taking him out on a bender and jollying him into a confession.
—Marilyn Stasio, New York Times, 19 May 2017
See All Example Sentences for jolly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for jolly
Adjective
-
Afterwards, the trap would have released the insect, to go on their merry way.—
Michael Irving,
New Atlas,
26 Mar. 2025
-
Personal differences, school commitments, and career opportunities threaten to permanently break up the merry band of role-players.—
Ben Travers,
IndieWire,
26 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
Some images are pleasant, while others are painful and heart-wrenching to produce.—
The Pham,
Charlotte Observer,
9 Apr. 2025
-
Exploring ancient hot spots like Delphi, ancient Epidaurus, and Olympia on foot is much more pleasant in spring temperatures averaging from the 60s to the high 70s.—
Helen Iatrou,
AFAR Media,
9 Apr. 2025
Adverb
-
Peters returns for the Manhattan Theatre Club’s fresh, surprising and very special Broadway production, following its run in Los Angeles.—
Frank Rizzo,
Variety,
9 Apr. 2025
-
Fluke is a very tender fish with a lot of sweetness.—
CAROLE KOTKIN,
Miami Herald,
8 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
Walter Emanuel Jones, who played the original Black Ranger, even joked about the choice in behind-the-scenes footage from the show.—
Anna Kaufman,
USA Today,
8 Apr. 2025
-
But Corden followed up by joking about possible financial challenges facing some international winners due to Trump’s actions.—
Martha Ross,
Mercury News,
7 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Gastronomy and mixology come together with live music in the afternoons to create a festive, atmospheric cocktail lounge.—
Laura Ness,
Mercury News,
1 Apr. 2025
-
Fans can enjoy a festive atmosphere and even create their ideal basketball court using cutting-edge AI technology.—
Jenn Nelson,
Forbes.com,
1 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
The good news is that the mechanicals are robust, and those parts are plentiful, so apart from rust and the challenge of obtaining trim and pieces unique to the model (serious enthusiasts may want to buy a second Scorpion to cannibalize), these are really delightful cars.—
Robert Ross,
Robb Report,
4 Apr. 2025
-
So goes a single day with Doctor Odyssey, a cross between The Love Boat and ER filtered through the lunatic mind of Ryan Murphy and the nuttiest, most delightful new series in a minute.—
Rebecca Alter,
Vulture,
3 Apr. 2025
Adverb
-
Meanwhile, Adan's breakup with Dani left him crushed — but also extremely grateful to have had the relationship at all.—
Jordana Comiter,
People.com,
8 Apr. 2025
-
In the party scenes, black suits are extremely dark while preserving their cuts and contours cleanly.—
PC Magazine,
PC Magazine,
8 Apr. 2025
Adverb
-
What If…? ended up not being a terribly good series in the end and making Carter the focus attracted a lot of flak since it was supposed to be an anthology.—
Paul Tassi,
Forbes.com,
5 Apr. 2025
-
That could be terribly damaging, especially with the arrival of the low season and everything.—
Jason D. Greenblatt,
MSNBC Newsweek,
2 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Jolly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/jolly. Accessed 13 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share