Definition of jocosenext
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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for jocose
Adjective
  • What follows is Rockwell and his merry band of misfits on a madcap romp through a dystopian landscape for a showdown with the future’s artificial nemesis.
    Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 15 Feb. 2026
  • Amaryllis flowers and winter greenery make for a merry arrangement.
    Miranda Crowell, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • While his jolly personality won him many friends at the top of the pyramid, his flock of ordinary Catholics saw only his other side.
    Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 3 Feb. 2026
  • The surviving kids begin to suspect something is up, but their attempts to appeal to this world’s sad excuses for adult supervision — a jolly mailman, a blank-faced nurse, and a talking train — just lead to more murders.
    Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 23 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • If the brighter green hue the holiday is normally associated with isn't your vibe, this sage green mani with sparkly details looks seasonal and festive.
    Daisy Maldonado, InStyle, 20 Feb. 2026
  • These elevated plants can be styled year-round with festive ribbons, colorful stones, or subtle seasonal accents to match your porch vibe.
    Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • What better way to celebrate all that is to come than with a colorful, cheerful manicure?
    Christina Perrier, InStyle, 21 Feb. 2026
  • Life underground is no longer the Pleasantville-like, cheerful place viewers first encountered in Season 1.
    Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 20 Feb. 2026
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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Cite this Entry

“Jocose.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/jocose. Accessed 23 Feb. 2026.

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