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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 The plague has arrived, represented by a jester figure who is infected with it. Gal Beckerman, The Atlantic, 6 May 2025 Researchers said the pattern resembled the costumes historically worn by clowns and jesters, according to researchers. Lauren Liebhaber, Miami Herald, 22 Apr. 2025 His Nineties art-punk jesters Lifter Puller never made a ripple outside the Twin Cities. Rob Sheffield, Rolling Stone, 6 Apr. 2025 Instead of cars on Marshall Street, attendees will find more than 75 artisans and performers — including a fairy trading post, storytellers and a court jester — and a mead pop-up bar. Karri Peifer, Axios, 5 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for jester
Recent Examples of Synonyms for jester
Noun
  • Stand-up comedian Ken Flores died in January at the age of 28 as a result of cocaine toxicity.
    Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 6 Sep. 2025
  • All were gathered for comedian and actor Mike Epps' second annual free community concert at Washington Park — an event focused on supporting the positive impacts of art and culture on mental health and well-being, especially in the Black community.
    Jade Jackson, IndyStar, 6 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Where that show’s boss (played by Steve Carell) was a bit of an inappropriate fool, Gleeson’s character is more idealistic.
    Michael Schneider, Variety, 4 Sep. 2025
  • These jokers in Indianapolis acting the fool.
    Chris Sims, IndyStar, 27 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • The sheriff threatens to arrest Morticia on account of aiding and abetting a murderer, but Gomez points out that these clowns (the cops) abandoned Nevermore to protect Normies at Pilgrim World.
    Jessica M. Goldstein, Vulture, 3 Sep. 2025
  • While the film wasn't a hit with critics or audiences, Gaga nonetheless had some eye-popping looks on the press tour, sporting bold red hair and clown-like attire to evoke the comic chaos of her character.
    EW.com, EW.com, 31 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Learn more about management options and which food plants are most susceptible to this insect in our harlequin bug on vegetables web page.
    Miri Talabac, Baltimore Sun, 16 Apr. 2025
  • Pity the poor actor who has to co-star opposite a 150-pound harlequin Great Dane.
    Peter Rainer, Christian Science Monitor, 3 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • These jokers in Indianapolis acting the fool.
    Chris Sims, IndyStar, 27 Aug. 2025
  • The guest’s winning cards were a 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8 and a joker acting as a 6, all in clubs, according to the casino.
    Helena Wegner, Sacbee.com, 12 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Jester.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/jester. Accessed 7 Sep. 2025.

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