Definition of jocularnext
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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

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 These documents further illuminated the extent of the friendship between Bannon and Epstein, whose private exchanges are jocular, even affectionate at times. Aidan McLaughlin, Vanity Fair, 13 Feb. 2026 Over the decades the band’s music has moved steadily toward the kind of classic rock that punks once professed to hate — think of Led Zeppelin, think of Aerosmith, go ahead and think of Boston — while Grohl has taken up the role of jocular frontman with a gusto approaching that of David Lee Roth. Mikael Wood, Los Angeles Times, 15 Jan. 2026 Entire families, with kids and dogs, took their holiday portraits — not with a jocular Santa, but with a snarling Krampus, standing in front of an Alpine forest backdrop. Deena Prichep, NPR, 8 Dec. 2025 That’s because of her bright and jocular storytelling. Mj Franklin, New York Times, 9 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for jocular
Recent Examples of Synonyms for jocular
Adjective
  • As the search continued, humorous posts imagining where Gracie might show up next spread across social media.
    Tiffani Jackson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 June 2026
  • Today, the Himalayan blackberry stands as a humorous rejection of Burbank’s attempt at complete human control.
    The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 25 June 2026
Adjective
  • Like most people, Sarnoski grew up with the light hearted stories of Robin Hood and his merry men.
    Chris O'Falt, IndieWire, 20 June 2026
  • Our leads will be abandoning the mean streets of New York City for merry old London.
    Brianna Zigler, Entertainment Weekly, 16 June 2026
Adjective
  • Dear Annabelle makes adorable place cards that have witty sayings or a theme.
    Mark Seliger, Vulture, 22 June 2026
  • Clive was a warm, witty, and generous friend.
    Michael Riedel, Vanity Fair, 22 June 2026
Adjective
  • The problem was that plenty of officials from both the government and national association wanted in on the glory, piggy-backing on the team for a jolly trip to the World Cup.
    Nick Miller, New York Times, 17 June 2026
  • The Tar Heels went three-up, three-down in the sixth, but the next inning Gallaher and his teammates were having a jolly time on a clear and cool evening at Charles Schwab Field.
    Eric Olson, The Orlando Sentinel, 15 June 2026
Adjective
  • Instead of adding more junk to your drawers, these clever gadgets actually solve kitchen dilemmas we’re all faced with.
    Melanie Fincher, Southern Living, 26 June 2026
  • Perhaps one of these seven recently-in-theaters flicks — including a blockbuster sequel, a clever piece of folk horror, a controversial biopic, and the latest from a British film legend.
    Brian Tallerico, Vulture, 26 June 2026
Adjective
  • For an extra festive touch, make adorable tomato ice cubes to garnish each glass.
    Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 June 2026
  • The game was dull, but that’s not to say the atmosphere wasn’t festive.
    Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 26 June 2026
Adjective
  • The soft blue handles add a cheerful pop of color that's pretty enough to leave on display on your countertop.
    Alexandra Emanuelli, Southern Living, 26 June 2026
  • This streamlined area rug from Dash and Albert (an extension of the Annie Selke brand) brings a cheerful element to your floors, swapping out terrycloth fibers for hand micro-hooked wool for a comfortable texture in high traffic areas.
    Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 26 June 2026
Adjective
  • The men, both in formal suits, appear jovial despite their opposing political views, with smiles spreading on their faces.
    Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 25 June 2026
  • Jeremy is observant, jovial, and finds the Sinclairs’ world fascinating.
    Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 25 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Jocular.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/jocular. Accessed 29 Jun. 2026.

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