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 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 Walz built a reputation as Silicon Valley’s jester and has created a series of viral web projects that double as social commentary. — Maxwell Zeff, Wired News, 25 Feb. 2026 That said, Katie Holmes makes a compelling case for classic-meets-court jester as a modern twist on the old argyle sweater routine. — Elizabeth Logan, Glamour, 27 Jan. 2026 In this third installment, Sienna Shaw (Lauren LaVera) is still shaken from her last run-in with Art, but the demonic jester has returned for more murder just in time for Christmas — and he's got a sidekick (Samantha Scaffidi). — Huntley Woods, Entertainment Weekly, 19 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for jester
Recent Examples of Synonyms for jester
  1. comedian
  2. fool
  3. clown
  4. harlequin
  5. joker
Noun
  • Atsuko Okatsuka made history as only the second Asian-American female comedian to have an HBO comedy special in 2022, long after Margaret Cho‘s landmark HBO appearance in 1994.
    — Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 24 July 2026
  • Similarly, Davidson has reinvented his own Hollywood image, going from comedian to movie star, appearing in films like Bodies Bodies Bodies, The Dirt,and The King of Staten Island.
    — Shelby Stivale, Entertainment Weekly, 23 July 2026
Definition of comedian
Noun
  • Projecting how a college quarterback will pan out often proves a fool’s errand, despite how many people have dedicated their livelihoods to trying.
    — Antonio Morales, New York Times, 21 July 2026
  • Don’t let the thin sole fool you though, the structure is still quite supportive and keeps your feet cushioned.
    — Rylee Johnston, PEOPLE, 11 July 2026
Definition of fool
Noun
  • This take on the mad clown of Gotham is less Jack Nicholson and George Romero, choosing a more stoic approach inspired by Conrad Veidt silent films and German expressionism.
    — Nick Romano, Entertainment Weekly, 23 July 2026
  • Mimi said one customer had a picture of a scary clown in his profile and his name listed as MURDER, in all caps.
    — Meena Thiruvengadam, Travel + Leisure, 21 July 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
  • Clooney might be known as the joker of the two.
    — Stephanie Sengwe, PEOPLE, 22 May 2026
  • Like any public hearing, there were a few jokers who had some strange outbursts, but the majority of the over a dozen speakers weren’t satisfied with Gower’s presentation and used their times to ask questions of the owners as to what has taken so long with this project.
    — Brian Welk, IndieWire, 12 May 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 28 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on jester

Nglish: Translation of jester for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about jester

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