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
  • The superstar couple wed in a ceremony on July 3, which was officiated by actor and comedian Adam Sandler, a representative for Swift confirmed to ABC News at the time.
    — Mason Leib, ABC News, 10 July 2026
  • Harvey is a comedian and satirist who, as Count Binface, has run against three prime ministers in the past decade.
    — Fatima Al-Kassab, NPR, 10 July 2026
Definition of comedian
Noun
  • 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
  • Being a gent or a supplicant wasn’t the same as being a fool, though.
    — Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 29 June 2026
Definition of fool
Noun
  • Perhaps most astonishingly, the movie manages to make creepy clowns — that shopworn trope — genuinely frightening again.
    — Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 7 July 2026
  • The group demonstrated near the Washington Monument and was met by a few counter protestors, one of which played clown music throughout the majority of the demonstration.
    — Antonio Pequeño IV, Forbes.com, 4 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

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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 13 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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