1
as in witty
given to or marked by mature intelligent humor
the essay is a facetious commentary on the absurdity of war as a solution for international disputes
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in cute
making light of something usually regarded as serious or sacred
a facetious and tasteless remark about people in famine-stricken countries being spared the problem of overeating
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in lightness
a lack of seriousness often at an improper time
underage drinking is a serious problem and not a matter for facetiousness and lame jokes
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of 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
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
See All Example Sentences for facetious
Adjective
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
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
See All Example Sentences for facetious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for facetious
Adjective
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Adding witty sayings to the leaves of handheld fans, Knighten wanted to make a statement with her products in a fun and unique way.—
Ruth Etiesit Samuel,
Essence,
4 June 2025
-
This bold, witty new play follows two sets of Armenian Americans: one man fighting for legal recognition in the 1920s, while a century later, his descendant fights for followers and a competent glam team.—
Greg Evans,
Deadline,
3 June 2025
Adjective
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The knotted fabric straps have an elevated look, making these cute enough to wear with your favorite sundresses and skirts.—
Amelia McBride,
Travel + Leisure,
1 June 2025
-
Shows can only be so cute or funny or familiar or fresh.—
Maureen Lee Lenker,
EW.com,
28 May 2025
Noun
-
However, there’s slightly more lightness to the film than their previous collaborations.—
Matthew Carey,
Deadline,
23 May 2025
-
The best from Bordeaux 2024 will be remembered for lightness, delicacy and aromatic beauty.—
Tom Mullen,
Forbes.com,
11 May 2025
Adjective
-
Popular posts might feature a photo with a humorous caption, an anonymous confession, or a detailed technical answer to a complex question.—
Dan Cody
Amanda Castro,
MSNBC Newsweek,
3 June 2025
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In his feature debut, Dupont follows the two men with a sense of empathetic detachment and an appreciation for fine detail and humorous dialogue.—
Leo Barraclough,
Variety,
3 June 2025
Adjective
-
Although flippant, LuPone’s words only serve to hurt everyone during a turbulent time for the arts in America, the open letter from the theater community said.—
Lisa Boone,
Los Angeles Times,
1 June 2025
-
Despite the seriousness of the charges, many on social media users have taken a strikingly flippant stance on the cold-blooded public execution of an American insurance executive, highlighting a consensus among people of all political stripes that the country's healthcare industry is deeply broken.—
Paul Du Quenoy,
Newsweek,
9 Dec. 2024
Adjective
-
The argument that Trump has violated the 10th Amendment is a clever subversion of a line of thinking that has traditionally been backed by conservative judges, said Erwin Chemerinsky, the dean of the UC Berkeley School of Law.—
Laura J. Nelson,
Los Angeles Times,
9 June 2025
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That dish is clever, for sure, but it’s served in an oddly gargantuan portion, and its playful clash of textures and temperatures wears out its welcome after a bite or two.—
Helen Rosner,
New Yorker,
8 June 2025
Adjective
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Working with other young rappers—peers, not big brothers—yielded a looser, more playful Wayne who got to test his dexterity over popular instrumentals of the early aughts.—
Pitchfork,
Pitchfork,
6 June 2025
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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,
6 June 2025
Noun
-
Some Yankees were upset during the offseason, feeling the Dodgers took too much glee and rubbed it in about the Yankees’ metdown in the fifth inning of Game 5.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
30 May 2025
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Fines and any restriction or suspension of the driver’s license aren’t going to be met with glee by the driver, either.—
Jim Radcliffe,
Oc Register,
30 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Facetious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/facetious. Accessed 15 Jun. 2025.
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