Definition of facetiousnext

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 Huff had one quarterback pressure Sunday (being facetious). Matt Barrows, New York Times, 10 Sep. 2025 To be facetious, how many of those people who committed mass murder in the fifth largest city in America went to death row? Dave Zirin, Rolling Stone, 17 June 2025 At first, Yellow Face offers a facetious and overly complicated panorama, shuffling Daniel Dae Kim’s glibly intellectual DHH and Francis Jue’s heartfelt HYH among the Asian, black, and white supporting actors who portray various egotistic New York professionals. Armond White, National Review, 21 May 2025 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 See All Example Sentences for facetious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for facetious
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
  • Meanwhile, a cute side slit and practical pocket on the shorts add style and functionality.
    Caitlyn Fitzpatrick, Travel + Leisure, 27 June 2026
  • Join the droves of shoppers buying this cute henley top with a relaxed fit.
    Isabel Garcia, PEOPLE, 26 June 2026
Adjective
  • Formula 1 driver Pierre Gasly joined Lacoste ambassador and actor Pierre Niney for the humorous promotional film, produced by Niney’s production company.
    Miles Socha, Footwear News, 29 June 2026
  • 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
Adjective
  • Your method of dismissing your flippant remarks, then, is probably the next best option to silence.
    R. Eric Thomas, Chicago Tribune, 22 June 2026
  • Chick lit was flippant and fizzy and fun, above all, as effervescent and guiltless as a vodka soda.
    Hillary Busis, Vanity Fair, 4 May 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
  • The high-quality dress can be worn all summer long, in playful hues like white and green.
    Sarah DiMuro, PEOPLE, 23 June 2026
  • Beaded sandals, in particular, strike a balance between statement-making and approachable, offering the same playful energy as the season’s beaded jewelry and bags without requiring a complete wardrobe overhaul.
    Lauren Fisher, Footwear News, 22 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Facetious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/facetious. Accessed 30 Jun. 2026.

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