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
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
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for jesters
Noun
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Featuring poets, comedians, authors, dramatists, chefs, and composers, the festival has drawn hundreds of publishers and thousands of writers to the Grand Palais over the past 30 years.—
Brittany Allen,
Literary Hub,
9 Mar. 2026
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The comedians are Hammed Animashaun, Ayoade Bamgboye, Larry Dean, Celeste Dring, George Fouracres, Ania Magliano, Annabel Marlow, Al Nash, Jack Shep, Emma Sidi, and Paddy Young.—
Jason P. Frank,
Vulture,
9 Mar. 2026
Noun
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How did clowns become a protest symbol?—
Janet W. Lee,
NPR,
5 Mar. 2026
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And, yeah, it’s run by unworthy—the clowns are the best one.—
David Frum,
The Atlantic,
4 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Arsenal would be fools to adopt a different approach as long as nothing changes.—
Stuart James,
New York Times,
6 Mar. 2026
-
April 1, because this cast is full of fools.—
Bethy Squires,
Vulture,
18 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Students are required to bring two full decks of cards including the jokers.—
Kris Slugg,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
27 Jan. 2026
-
The 166-piece set includes 36 dot, bam, and crack tiles, 12 dragons, 16 winds, 16 flowers, 10 jokers, and four blank spare tiles made from melamine.—
Maggie Horton,
PEOPLE,
8 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Jesters.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/jesters. Accessed 13 Mar. 2026.
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