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
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
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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Former Premier League players Troy Deeney and Ashley Williams have been guests in previous weeks, as well as comedians such as Katherine Ryan and Ellie Taylor.—
Eduardo Tansley,
New York Times,
7 Feb. 2026
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The British comedy world has been waiting with bated breath for the cast, which came Tuesday featuring 11 of the UK’s best and brightest comedians.—
Max Goldbart,
Deadline,
6 Feb. 2026
Noun
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The results will show young women who look an awful lot like circus clowns, with faces hidden under layers of masks, gels, serums, and even face tape.—
Jana Pollack,
Parents,
31 Jan. 2026
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What awaits you is an emotional journey through family, death, grief, memory, hope, and tears that also features clowns – yes, clowns!—
Georg Szalai,
HollywoodReporter,
29 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Sadly, OpenAI plays us for fools.—
Jim Cramer,
CNBC,
8 Feb. 2026
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Both James Cameron and Apple Studios have made fools of those who have discounted them, but the blockbuster director has just done so more often.—
Marcus Jones,
IndieWire,
14 Jan. 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 11 Feb. 2026.
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