1
as in comedians
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 clowns
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
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Recent Examples of jesters
On freedom of opinion, on freedom of the press, on freedom of satire, on jesters’ freedom.
—
ABC News,
2 Apr. 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
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
Even if jesters are no more, our need to dissent and criticize has not passed.
—
Theater Critic,
San Francisco Chronicle,
1 Mar. 2025
ABC News,
2 Apr. 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
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
Even if jesters are no more, our need to dissent and criticize has not passed.
—
Theater Critic,
San Francisco Chronicle,
1 Mar. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for jesters
Noun
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Instead, the comedians have to develop their impromptu sets based on prompts given to them and audience interactions.
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The event will feature Jordanian musicians, comedians, dance and food as well as a watch party for Monday’s match.
Noun
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Hang out with sheep, meet magicians and clowns and explore the amusement park.
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The only leaders more buffoonish and lethal than the fairground hucksters elected in our failing democracies are the omnipotent clowns of tyranny.
Noun
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This is an ignoble war making monsters and fools out of its participants, and against the uncontrollable weapons that are dragons, everyone’s resolve is crumbling.
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One reason this war may linger is because most of the leaders of these countries and militias know that history has its eyes on them, and there will be a moral, political and economic accounting that will be devastating for each one of these fools.
Noun
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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.
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Students are required to bring two full decks of cards including the jokers.
Cite this Entry
“Jesters.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/jesters. Accessed 1 Jul. 2026.
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