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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 Trump has been pushing an imperialist vision that includes U.S. acquisition of Greenland, Panama, and — on a more facetious note — Canada. Andrew Solender, Axios, 7 Jan. 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 Some also expressed facetious disdain for how much money Downey must have accepted to come back to Marvel, suspecting a lucrative deal. Angela Yang, NBC News, 28 July 2024 Maher’s power is the fascination his facetious commentary holds for other, less secure pundits. Armond White, National Review, 7 June 2024 See All Example Sentences for facetious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for facetious
Adjective
  • Put all those elements together, and the show remained fun and witty and insightful despite all of its darkness because viewers never got attached to any one character.
    Judy Berman, Time, 24 Apr. 2025
  • Deborah botches the presser that follows by refusing to respond to ageist, sexist questions with witty banter — a totally foreseeable scenario that Ava anticipated and prepared for, but Deborah tossed Ava’s jokes in the trash.
    Jessica M. Goldstein, Vulture, 11 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • At a press screening of the film in March, these cute, interstitial clips drew big laughs.
    Eric Renner Brown, Billboard, 7 May 2025
  • Wine corks also make cute place card holders and wine glass charms.
    Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 7 May 2025
Adjective
  • There were humorous moments amid the writers’ accounts of tragedy.
    Rebecca Plevin, Los Angeles Times, 26 Apr. 2025
  • When the slasher eventually appears, stealing the group’s car before murdering them with a humorous bluntness, there is also a real atmosphere of dread.
    Lovia Gyarkye, HollywoodReporter, 24 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • But in the wider community, the word can sound flippant or even objectifying.
    Jeetendr Sehdev, Forbes.com, 26 Apr. 2025
  • The art of bluffing in itself, which is what the movie is all about, isn’t something to be flippant about.
    Lily Ford, The Hollywood Reporter, 24 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Instant Spa Shower Gift Box: $55 Turn mom’s shower into a spa-like experience with this clever gift set from UncommonGood.
    Nora Colomer may earn a commission if you buy through our referral links. This content was created by a team that works independently from the Fox newsroom., FOXNews.com, 3 May 2025
  • This is an alternative look at the final four weeks of the league campaign, searching for storylines and narratives that could impact betting markets and provide opportunities for clever wagers.
    Sam Tighe, New York Times, 2 May 2025
Adjective
  • The brown leather exterior means it can be dressed up with office clothes while its size and woven design are playful enough to work with casual looks like Birkenstocks, a tee, and loose jeans.
    Clint Davis, People.com, 2 May 2025
  • Her Instagram page shows Belichick's more playful side, including photos of him dressed as a fisherman alongside Hudson in a mermaid costume.
    Doc Louallen, ABC News, 30 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Facetious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/facetious. Accessed 11 May. 2025.

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