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
  • The phone-comedy discussion followed a scene in which Julie Kessler and Billy Epstein, the proudly embittered struggling comedians played by Klausner and Eichner, confront an up-and-coming digital creator.
    — Seth Abramovitch, HollywoodReporter, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Directed by comedian Jeremiah Watkins, who produced alongside Miles Williams, the special was filmed at The Alex Theater in Assadourian’s hometown of Glendale, CA.
    — Matt Grobar, Deadline, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of comedian
Noun
  • Many of the most viral videos that are part of the trend also play with social power dynamics by having the creator make a fool of someone who may be older, male or even their boss — further evidence of how social media use is changing online.
    — David Mack, CNN Money, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Sho Fujita, Burroughs, running back, senior Don’t let the 5-foot-6 size fool you.
    — Ethan Hanson, Daily News, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of fool
Noun
  • Rather than deescalating, Gabela yelled at Corben, calling him a clown.
    — Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Yusef Toubassi sits with his grandson Masa, looking on as children run by with cheeks painted bright colors and others howling with joy as clowns spin them around.
    — Dina Kraft, Christian Science Monitor, 19 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
  • The jokers Toth and Jackson, bless them, keep things endearing and funny.
    — Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 19 Aug. 2026
  • At some point, all these jokers need to sit down and stop auditioning for attention long enough to actually do the jobs they were elected or appointed to do.
    — Rachel Marsden, Hartford Courant, 15 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 24 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

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