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Synonym Chooser

How is the word facetious distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of facetious are humorous, jocose, jocular, and witty. While all these words mean "provoking or intended to provoke laughter," 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 is humorous a more appropriate choice than facetious?

The words humorous and facetious can be used in similar contexts, but 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?

Jocose is somewhat less derogatory than facetious in suggesting habitual waggishness or playfulness.

jocose proposals

When can jocular be used instead of facetious?

The synonyms jocular and facetious are sometimes interchangeable, but jocular implies a usually habitual fondness for jesting and joking.

a jocular fellow

When could witty be used to replace facetious?

While the synonyms witty and facetious are close in meaning, 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 facetious In the 30-second ad, 314 Action presented Kennedy’s swim in Rock Creek as absurd, posting it next to two facetious headlines saying Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth ordered drone strikes from a steam bath and another saying Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem shot and killed another dog. Joseph Choi, The Hill, 19 May 2025 Since returning to the White House in January, he’s repeatedly teased the idea of running again — but, unlike his recent comments, his past remarks have appeared to be facetious. Brendan Rascius, Miami Herald, 1 Apr. 2025 Given this is an AMA, there is no clear way to tell if Perkins was being facetious or not. Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 5 Mar. 2025 That quip no longer seems so facetious as a son of exiles who fled their homeland prepares to become America’s top diplomat. Patrick Oppmann, CNN, 8 Dec. 2024 See All Example Sentences for facetious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for facetious
Adjective
  • Jerry Stiller and Anne Meara, Ben’s parents, were a legendary comedy duo in the ‘60s, breaking taboos by mining their reality – a sweet Jewish guy wed to a witty Irish Catholic – in an act that eventually led to successful independent careers.
    Stephen Schaefer, Boston Herald, 23 Oct. 2025
  • Across four gritty, witty books, Jones and Johnson encounter elaborate con men who are extra inventive about their heists.
    Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 23 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Mankinlu Maple Leaf Solar Pathway Lights As daylight starts to fade earlier, these cute pathway lights add both charm and function to your yard.
    Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Oct. 2025
  • The easiest fix for the age-old struggle between cute and comfy?
    Mia Huelsbeck, PEOPLE, 25 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Despite its morbid premise, the movie is lighthearted and humorous while exploring the relationship between families and their pets.
    Keith Langston, PEOPLE, 27 Oct. 2025
  • Barkov is the opposite of Tkachuk in personality, never the one with the humorous postgame quote or engaging TV soundbite.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 26 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • There’s something so hilariously flippant about Taylor’s mean streak these days.
    Rob Sheffield, Rolling Stone, 7 Oct. 2025
  • Given that the league’s collective bargaining agreement expires at the end of this month, maybe the commissioner shouldn’t have been so flippant.
    Jim Alexander, Oc Register, 3 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • As in years past, there was plenty of heated debate, some clever campaigning on social media, a last-minute push for votes from A-list significant others and a few races that were neck-and-neck right up until the last ballot was cast.
    Alex Apatoff, PEOPLE, 24 Oct. 2025
  • From clever packing solutions and cozy in-flight accessories, to tiny upgrades that make a huge difference midair, all of these travel hacks are pilot-approved for keeping your journey calm, clean, and surprisingly comfortable from takeoff to touchdown.
    Alesandra Dubin, Travel + Leisure, 24 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • This casual long-sleeve sweater dress features a playful V-neck and cute, subtle slits on the sides of the bottom hem.
    Caroline Hughes, Travel + Leisure, 30 Oct. 2025
  • The October show, held at The Highline Hotel Ballroom, was a playful, artisanal and on-trend display of the work Pietrafesa has been creating into her ready-to-wear brand since its launch in 2014.
    Emily Mercer, Footwear News, 29 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Facetious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/facetious. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025.

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