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
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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
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of jester
Since medieval times, the colorful fool—from court jesters to Shakespeare’s characters—has used playful wit to critique authority and buffoonery to whip up excitement.
—
Time, 30 Oct. 2025
Medieval Europe, an era that gave us heraldry, court jesters, and troubadours, is rendered in dull, grayish brown hues.
—Will Collins, The Washington Examiner, 19 Sep. 2025
In uncertain times, humour is a powerful tool, and artists are the best jesters, critics, and storytellers around.
—Lee Sharrock, Forbes.com, 19 Sep. 2025
Ronald McDonald would beg to differ, although this assertion was made a full 40 years before the hamburger harlequin would supplant Bozo as America’s most beloved parti-colored jester.
—Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 12 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for jester
Time, 30 Oct. 2025
Medieval Europe, an era that gave us heraldry, court jesters, and troubadours, is rendered in dull, grayish brown hues.
—Will Collins, The Washington Examiner, 19 Sep. 2025
In uncertain times, humour is a powerful tool, and artists are the best jesters, critics, and storytellers around.
—Lee Sharrock, Forbes.com, 19 Sep. 2025
Ronald McDonald would beg to differ, although this assertion was made a full 40 years before the hamburger harlequin would supplant Bozo as America’s most beloved parti-colored jester.
—Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 12 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for jester
Recent Examples of Synonyms for jester
Noun
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Hear comedians workshop their jokes Hear some jokes-in-progress from Cincinnati's local talent.—
Caroline Ritzie,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
8 Mar. 2026
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Include the name of the band, solo artist or comedian, and the year of their performance.—
George Varga,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
8 Mar. 2026
Noun
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K’Lavon Chaisson is available, too, but paying players after a breakout season is generally a fool’s errand.—
Andrew Callahan,
Boston Herald,
9 Mar. 2026
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And only a fool cannot see that the vast majority of Iranians wanted this regime to be removed from their lives.—
The Editorial Board,
Chicago Tribune,
8 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Noem was the public face of that disapproval, strutting forward with arrogance in the face of public censure, a veritable clown show of ineptitude.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
6 Mar. 2026
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How did clowns become a protest symbol?—
Janet W. Lee,
NPR,
5 Mar. 2026
Noun
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If the Brits are anything to go by, feather boas and harlequin jumpsuits are out, and French-girl flats are in.—
Alice Newbold,
Vogue,
28 Feb. 2026
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Rather than the usual crisscross pattern, Holmes’ sweater features solid block diamonds in bold colors for a harlequin look that is honestly a breath of fresh air.—
Elizabeth Logan,
Glamour,
27 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Students are required to bring two full decks of cards including the jokers.—
Kris Slugg,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
27 Jan. 2026
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Mas, though, does have a joker in his deck.—
Felipe Cardenas,
New York Times,
23 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Jester.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/jester. Accessed 12 Mar. 2026.
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