in jest

phrase

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

Lucas has even floated the idea — perhaps partly in jest — that Royals owner John Sherman could help lead that effort. — Latif Love, Kansas City Star, 23 July 2026

It was said in jest, yet the sport’s most audacious instigators might take him up on it. — Stephen J. Nesbitt, New York Times, 23 July 2026

The post appears to be in jest, and, to be clear, there is absolutely zero evidence to suggest this. — Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 30 June 2026

Thus began a series of responses that suggested perhaps his enthusiasm is in jest — or maybe not? — Steven J. Horowitz, Variety, 14 Apr. 2026

Rhymes for in jest

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