1
as in jokes
something said or done to cause laughter
laughed politely at his feeble jest about his pet mosquito
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2
as in pranks
a playful or mischievous act intended as a joke
putting a mouse in her desk drawer was intended to be a harmless jest
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3
as in fools
a person or thing that is made fun of
his outlandish costumes made him the jest of the town
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in quips
to make jokes
when I asked my sister for a loan, she laughingly replied, "Surely you jest!"
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Recent Examples of jests
Usa Today, USA Today, 9 Nov. 2025
Noun
Be sure that your jests don’t become insults!
—Usa Today, USA Today, 9 Nov. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for jests
Noun
-
Colbert did read out several jokes that have been cut during his time on the show, crediting his writing staff for their quips.—
Emily Zemler,
Rolling Stone,
9 Mar. 2026
-
Over the years, more than 11,000 inscriptions have been found across the city, ranging from political commentary and love declarations to sporting slogans, jokes, and poems.—
Ryan Brennan,
Charlotte Observer,
9 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
In the novel, Amanda and Oliver attempt to get Eloise to leave by way of some nasty pranks, but Book Eloise remains undeterred and, in fact, loves the challenge of trying to both one-up and win over the twins.—
Maggie Fremont,
Vulture,
4 Mar. 2026
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Originally from Strasbourg, near the German border, the French creator rose to fame on lip syncs and pranks, hopping from Instagram to YouTube to TikTok.—
Kenneal Patterson,
Vanity Fair,
19 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Strangely, Bailey-Brown laughs at the accusation.—
Barry Levitt,
Time,
4 Mar. 2026
-
Vinny will bring the laughs, as the TV personality turned stand-up comedian goes on tour and organizes a celebratory roast for his castmates.—
Edward Segarra,
USA Today,
4 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Jests.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/jests. Accessed 13 Mar. 2026.
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