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as in merry
indicative of or marked by high spirits or good humor the children at the library were charmed by the jocular storyteller

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word jocular distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of jocular are facetious, humorous, jocose, and witty. While all these words mean "provoking or intended to provoke laughter," jocular implies a usually habitual fondness for jesting and joking.

a jocular fellow

When can facetious be used instead of jocular?

Although the words facetious and jocular have much in common, 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 might humorous be a better fit than jocular?

While the synonyms humorous and jocular are close in meaning, humorous applies broadly to anything that evokes usually genial laughter and may contrast with witty in suggesting whimsicality or eccentricity.

humorous anecdotes

How are the words jocose and facetious related as synonyms of jocular?

Jocose is somewhat less derogatory than facetious in suggesting habitual waggishness or playfulness.

jocose proposals

Where would witty be a reasonable alternative to jocular?

While in some cases nearly identical to jocular, witty suggests cleverness and quickness of mind.

a witty remark

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of jocular The cast is unmatched and the pace jocular, but its greatest trick is managing to maintain an element of uncertainty and suspense. Declan Gallagher, EW.com, 7 Sep. 2024 Pitt’s chuckles throughout the often jocular interview hinted that perhaps Clooney’s tough words should be taken with a grain of salt. Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 13 Aug. 2024 At this point, a jocular Midwestern dad who advised a gay-straight alliance while coaching the high school football team is basically their worst nightmare. Samantha Allen, Them, 7 Aug. 2024 Theroux is the perfect guide for this journey, which might have collapsed under its own weight with a less jocular presenter at the helm. Declan Gallagher, EW.com, 31 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for jocular 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for jocular
Adjective
  • While the situation might seem humorous, the Reddit user shared an important takeaway: people should be cautious when dealing with wrong numbers.
    Barbara A. Perry, Newsweek, 28 Jan. 2025
  • Chicago Teachers Union President Stacy Davis Gates and Johnson regularly text humorous or supportive messages.
    Gregory Royal Pratt, Chicago Tribune, 27 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • But 50 years in, the legend of Lorne Michaels’ merry circus has already been celebrated, many times over.
    Alison Herman, Variety, 16 Jan. 2025
  • Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu wished Christians worldwide a merry Christmas and thanked the Christian community for its support amid the Jewish state's ongoing conflicts with terror groups.
    Landon Mion, Fox News, 25 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Set in present-day, smalltown Norway, the film combines nostalgic storytelling with fresh, witty perspectives, that will entertain the entire family.
    Leo Barraclough, Variety, 30 Jan. 2025
  • The wood snake is known for being witty and creative but also secretive.
    Mae Hamilton, AFAR Media, 28 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • The same jolly collection also returns to the Top Streaming Albums chart for another year.
    Hugh McIntyre, Forbes, 4 Jan. 2025
  • Winter break is a jolly time of the year for many children.
    Holly Garcia, Parents, 31 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Anyone who thinks this is funny or clever needs to listen more and talk less.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 8 Feb. 2025
  • Scammers are getting more clever all the time and I’ve almost been fooled by a few of them.
    Jason Ogaard, Twin Cities, 7 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • This luxuriously soft blanket features the FOX News logo and is available in a festive pink shade with hearts – perfect for the season of love.
    Nora Colomer, Fox News, 31 Jan. 2025
  • Classical Lunar New Year officially fell on Jan. 29, and the New York Philharmonic rings in the Year of the Snake in its usual festive manner, with a vibrant gala and a concert.
    The New Yorker, The New Yorker, 31 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • The news for the Red Sox is not nearly as cheerful, however, Despite the acquisitions of starting pitchers Garrett Crochet and Walker Buehler, Boston will finish dead last in the AL East, winning only 78 games (77.6 is the exact projection).
    Anders Fogh Rasmussen, Newsweek, 5 Feb. 2025
  • Since the days of Hillary, Sherpas have been renowned not only for their stamina at high altitudes and capacity for hard work, but also their cheerful friendliness and simple grace.
    John Meyer, The Denver Post, 2 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • The education secretary – who oversaw a historic period for American learners that started with a pandemic and ended with a financial aid crisis – had a jovial, determined air about him.
    Zachary Schermele, USA TODAY, 18 Jan. 2025
  • No fog, no mist; clear, bright, jovial, stirring, cold; cold, piping for the blood to dance to; Golden sunlight; Heavenly sky; sweet fresh air; merry bells.
    Liz Tracey, JSTOR Daily, 14 Dec. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near jocular

Cite this Entry

“Jocular.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/jocular. Accessed 13 Feb. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on jocular

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