Definition of jesternext
1
2
as in fool
a person formerly kept in a royal or noble household to amuse with jests and pranks the king called for some much-needed entertainment from his jester

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 jester But Schleien has responded with a coruscating online presence, emerging as less of a jester and more of a conscience for Israeli liberals. — Bernard Avishai, New Yorker, 11 Aug. 2026 In that light, a collection consisting of nothing but down-home music could be seen as the ultimate joke from a pair of indie-punk jesters. — Stephen Thomas Erlewine, Pitchfork, 1 Aug. 2026 Her fans come for the jester-like antics and spectacle onstage. — Lauren Giella, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 May 2026 On freedom of opinion, on freedom of the press, on freedom of satire, on jesters’ freedom. — ABC News, 2 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for jester
Recent Examples of Synonyms for jester
Noun
  • In recent years, the two comedians, actors, and Ride podcast co-hosts—who are also real-life BFFs—have nailed the storied art of incredibly niche, highly specific, social media brainrot Halloween costumes.
    — Christian Allaire, Vogue, 30 Oct. 2026
  • Fielder, for those unfamiliar with his work, is a comedian, best known for his Comedy Central series (currently streaming on HBO) Nathan for You.
    — ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 30 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Watching with the hope that anything serious will ever shift for the central characters is a fool’s errand.
    — Kathryn VanArendonk, Vulture, 30 Oct. 2026
  • Halloween is treated as his blind spot, the day each year this Socrates of the gang makes a fool of himself and misses out on treats.
    — Colin Fleming, Chicago Tribune, 30 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • That’s not to jinx the master clown who’s currently doddering around in Argan’s shoes on Broadway.
    — Sara Holdren, Vulture, 23 Oct. 2026
  • In several descriptions of these amateur events, including some of his own, Hemingway sounds less like a matador than a rodeo clown.
    — Stephen Bates, New Yorker, 22 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Warren, a tenor, arrived in a pink harlequin outfit, with knee socks and buckled shoes.
    — Sarah Larson, New Yorker, 19 Oct. 2026
  • How to Make a Harlequin Pastry Pattern For the harlequin pattern on this citrusy pie’s top crust, prep and roll out pastry.
    — Katlyn Moncada, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • The smart kids, the shy ones, the jokers and the loners — every one of them is caught in the pyroclastic flow of adolescence, every minute a negotiation between fitting in and standing out.
    — Jessica Kiang, Variety, 14 Sep. 2026
  • The jokers Toth and Jackson, bless them, keep things endearing and funny.
    — Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 19 Aug. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Jester.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/jester. Accessed 2 Nov. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on jester

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster