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
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Recent Examples of jolly
Hugh McIntyre, Forbes, 27 Dec. 2024
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
Jenny Allen, New Yorker, 19 June 2025
Mariah Carey’s Tune Rarely Disappears for Long The jolly smash hasn’t been away from either of these lists for very long, even though Christmas is several months in the rearview mirror.
—Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 21 May 2025
Michael Phillips, Chicago Tribune, 6 Aug. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for jolly
Adjective
The musician also passed away on Christmas Day back in 2016, so the jolly time is also somewhat somber for longtime lovers of the artist.
—Hugh McIntyre, Forbes, 27 Dec. 2024
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
Adverb
And today, my goodness, there’s a jolly little trio
Of young men in hospital scrubs, standing around smoking away,
On their break from Mount Sinai West.
—Jenny Allen, New Yorker, 19 June 2025
Mariah Carey’s Tune Rarely Disappears for Long The jolly smash hasn’t been away from either of these lists for very long, even though Christmas is several months in the rearview mirror.
—Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 21 May 2025
Verb
Director Nisha Ganatra jollies it along, with editor Eleanor Infante making as much rhythmic sense of the mix-ups and physical craziness as possible.
—Michael Phillips, Chicago Tribune, 6 Aug. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for jolly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for jolly
Adjective
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Instead, they are pressured into becoming guests of the castle's owner, a transvestite mad scientist called Frank-N-Furter (Tim Curry), and his merry bad of misfits.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
16 Aug. 2025
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Robin Hood and his merry men were yeomen of the most courageous sort.—
Charles Hammer,
Kansas City Star,
25 June 2025
Adjective
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Think wild strawberries and mineral lift with just enough texture to add a pleasant element of complexity, something not often found in entry-level rosé.—
Devin Parr,
Forbes.com,
5 Aug. 2025
-
Many people find coriander seeds to have a pleasant, almost sweet taste.—
Brittany Lubeck,
Verywell Health,
5 Aug. 2025
Adverb
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Indeed, the argument is often made by industry that plastics can sequester carbon from fossil fuels for the very long term, unless they are burned.—
Saleem H. Ali,
Forbes.com,
19 Aug. 2025
-
Townshend clapped Daltrey’s shoulder in affirmation, a show of affection between two very different personalities who nonetheless created 60 years of memories.—
Melissa Ruggieri,
USA Today,
18 Aug. 2025
Verb
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She’s been booed in stadiums, joked at by mainstream media, and roasted online to the extent that both the NFL and high-profile players have publicly defended her right to attend.—
Gemma Allen,
Forbes.com,
18 Aug. 2025
-
Speaking to Variety from his home in the mountains of Idaho, Glenn jokes about the world-spanning nature of the nomination.—
Joe Otterson,
Variety,
18 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Third Thursdays bring the festive Art Walk, when the district bursts with local art, live music, and technicolor vibes.—
Carrie Honaker,
Travel + Leisure,
5 Aug. 2025
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Top the drink with frozen grapes, gummy worms, or a spring of fresh mint for a festive Halloween drink idea.—
Sarah Martens,
Better Homes & Gardens,
5 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Mamma Mia! should theoretically function as a star vehicle considering the plot is delightful nonsense meant to be outshone by the songs and performances, whether by force of belting or pure charisma.—
Jackson McHenry,
Vulture,
15 Aug. 2025
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Many of its delightful products are made on site, like comforters, pillows, wool sponges, and more.—
Katy Spratte Joyce,
Travel + Leisure,
15 Aug. 2025
Adverb
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Bonus content includes a behind-the-scenes look at the airplane and ocean stunts, deleted footage montage with optional commentary by Director Christopher McQuarrie, the challenges of filming the technical and extremely dangerous stunts, and an in-depth discussion with McQuarrie and Cruise.—
Anthony Robledo,
USA Today,
18 Aug. 2025
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Nevertheless, a five-time winner losing the season-long race to an opponent who hasn't won a single event is something extremely improbable to see on any other major golf tour.—
Julio Cesar Valdera Morales,
MSNBC Newsweek,
18 Aug. 2025
Adverb
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Despite his status as a pop culture icon for close to 50 years now, ‘Weird Al’ Yankovic has claimed he’s not terribly bothered about being overlooked by the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.—
Tyler Jenke,
Billboard,
14 Aug. 2025
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Plus, those businesses rely on a strong supply chain, which has been terribly disrupted by tariffs in recent months.—
Jennifer Castenson,
Forbes.com,
14 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Jolly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/jolly. Accessed 21 Aug. 2025.
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