in jest

idiom

formal + old-fashioned

: as a joke

I didn't mean to upset you; I only said it in jest.

Examples of in jest in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

He was met with the silent treatment in jest before being celebrated heartily in the Royals’ dugout at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas. —Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 22 June 2025

Whether in jest or earnest, some now claim the 2024-25 team is one of destiny. —C.j. Holmes, New York Daily News, 9 May 2025

But a spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) claimed the comment was made in jest, according to NBC News. —Abigail Adams, People.com, 3 June 2025

Promise to end Ukraine war in 24 hours was ‘in jest’ After pledging throughout his 2024 campaign to end the Russia-Ukraine war before even taking office, or within 24 hours of starting his term, Trump is nearing the end of his first 100 days without a breakthrough. —Julia Mueller, The Hill, 25 Apr. 2025

Rhymes for in jest

• abreast
• accessed
• addressed
• appressed
• armrest
• arrest
• assessed
• attest
• backrest
• behest
• bequest
• caressed