as in merry
indicative of or marked by high spirits or good humor the comedian's jocose introductions kept the awards ceremony from becoming a stodgy affair

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word jocose distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of jocose are facetious, humorous, jocular, and witty. While all these words mean "provoking or intended to provoke laughter," jocose is somewhat less derogatory than facetious in suggesting habitual waggishness or playfulness.

jocose proposals

When could facetious be used to replace jocose?

The words facetious and jocose are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, facetious stresses a desire to produce laughter and may be derogatory in implying dubious or ill-timed attempts at wit or humor.

facetious comments

When is humorous a more appropriate choice than jocose?

The meanings of humorous and jocose largely overlap; however, humorous applies broadly to anything that evokes usually genial laughter and may contrast with witty in suggesting whimsicality or eccentricity.

humorous anecdotes

When can jocular be used instead of jocose?

Although the words jocular and jocose have much in common, jocular implies a usually habitual fondness for jesting and joking.

a jocular fellow

When would witty be a good substitute for jocose?

The words witty and jocose can be used in similar contexts, but witty suggests cleverness and quickness of mind.

a witty remark

Examples Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for jocose
Adjective
  • Lacey Chabert—queen of the holiday rom-com—stars as Kathy, a cafe owner who's having a not-so merry Christmas after the death of her husband.
    Stephanie McNeal, Glamour, 27 Nov. 2024
  • Everyone will come to the kitchen, feed themselves, and be on his or her merry way.
    Mary Shannon Wells, Southern Living, 24 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Barbara Quinn, Coral Springs Sending in the clowns Twenty clowns make a jolly circus, but not an effective government.
    Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 30 Nov. 2024
  • In the decades since, it’s become a staple around the jolliest day of the year.
    Hugh McIntyre, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • This year, Sun Valley is hosting three festive dining experiences.
    Roger Sands, Forbes, 23 Nov. 2024
  • Want to join in the festive fun (and enjoy highs in the 60s?!)?
    Heather Bien, Southern Living, 23 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Jim Wilson, who lives in the neighborhood, selected a new puffy coat for his son in a cheerful red color.
    Cathy Kozlowicz, Journal Sentinel, 28 Nov. 2024
  • One by one as families received meals (that included a turkey and all the trimmings) from Anthony, Carter, Magic coach Jamahl Mosley and assistant coach Dale Osbourne, laughter and cheerful conversations were shared amongst those in attendance.
    Jason Beede, Orlando Sentinel, 27 Nov. 2024
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.

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Thesaurus Entries Near jocose

Cite this Entry

“Jocose.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/jocose. Accessed 9 Dec. 2024.

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