jester

noun

ˈje-stər How to pronounce jester (audio)
Definition of jesternext
1
as in comedian
a person (as a writer) noted for or specializing in humor a gentle jester, the cartoonist more often tries to evoke a broad smile than a hearty guffaw

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 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 No one wants to be a jester, debasing oneself for a more powerful person’s amusement. — Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 27 Mar. 2026 Handing the kingdom of SoFi over to the court jesters for a night is a feat worthy of celebration. — Deputy Entertainment, Los Angeles Times, 5 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for jester
Recent Examples of Synonyms for jester
  1. comedian
  2. fool
  3. clown
  4. harlequin
  5. joker
Noun
  • From Mike Birbiglia as a farcical cop to a bouncer at a Greenpoint club played by Ziwe, New York comedians abound.
    — Alex Jhamb Burns, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Aug. 2026
  • The author and comedian, who was wrongfully convicted of the 2007 murder of Meredith Kercher, has responded after a petition to cancel her Edinburgh Festival Fringe show Cartwheel surpassed 10,000 signatures.
    — Glenn Garner, Deadline, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of comedian
Noun
  • The fool-proof collection covers all the bases from your first cleanse to your five-to-nine, and easy refreshes throughout the day.
    — Kyra Surgent, InStyle, 5 Aug. 2026
  • There was simply no reason to try to match that; and Bogaerts would have been a fool not to accept it.
    — Dan Freedman, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of fool
Noun
  • An Illinois teen has been charged with first-degree murder after allegedly committing a deadly stabbing attack while dressed in a clown outfit.
    — Nadine El-Bawab, ABC News, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Tyquan Thornton Tyquan Thornton is not only known for being a speedster, with one of the fastest combine times in history, but a class clown as well.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of clown
Noun
  • Colorado potato beetles target potato plants, while harlequin beetles do damage to brassica family plants like kale, cauliflower, cabbage, and broccoli.
    — Alexandra Jones, The Spruce, 3 June 2026
  • For the event, Kaling donned a strapless Elie Saab gown covered in crystal embroidery, which included a harlequin pattern and a sheer skirt.
    — Hannah Malach, InStyle, 27 May 2026
Definition of harlequin
Noun
  • But the other main parties called it a stunt and refused to take part, leaving Farage running against an assortment of independents, jokers and single-issue candidates led by Count Binface, a comic space alien with a trash can on his head.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 11 Aug. 2026
  • The win came July 30 with a hand of four aces and a joker, the casino said.
    — Don Sweeney, Sacbee.com, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of joker

Browse Nearby Words

jested
jester
jesters
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Cite this Entry

“Jester.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/jester. Accessed 15 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on jester

Nglish: Translation of jester for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about jester

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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