Definition of jocularnext
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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 Even was talkative and jocular, telling stories about blowout parties in Marrakech. Joel Khalili, Wired News, 17 Nov. 2025 That’s because of her bright and jocular storytelling. Mj Franklin, New York Times, 9 Oct. 2025 Modern American popular culture contains many jocular characters that resemble this folkloric bird, who is delightfully impervious to pain, from cartoon characters such as the Road Runner – an actual bird – to the foulmouthed, self-regenerating antihero Deadpool. Perin Gürel, The Conversation, 19 Aug. 2025 The film explicitly acknowledges that their sibling rivalry is very Thor and Loki, though the dynamic here is different with Wilson playing uptight preppy to Momoa’s jocular biker viking. A.a. Dowd, Vulture, 27 Feb. 2024 See All Example Sentences for jocular
Recent Examples of Synonyms for jocular
Adjective
  • It’s based on an unconventional true story from recent history, set on the British Isles, with a tone that alternates between humorous and sorrowful before delivering an uplifting and humanist message, with skillfully invisible filmmaking that takes a backseat to the performances and story.
    Katie Walsh, Boston Herald, 24 Apr. 2026
  • The humorous spot is part of a year-long effort by Disney to get audiences enthusiastic about its Super Bowl plans.
    Brian Steinberg, Variety, 23 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Using Too Many Small Bins The more bins, the merrier?
    Sarah Lyon, Southern Living, 10 Apr. 2026
  • Mau's reckless band of merry men inevitably leave a trail of bodies in their wake, leading police captain Brander Lawson (Wagner Moura) to investigate the criminal takeover of Janix.
    Fran Ruiz, Space.com, 6 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Fallen Angels itself — about a pair of witty, worldly besties who get blitzed on champagne while considering cheating on their husbands with a mutual old flame — landed its author in trouble with the censors in London.
    Sara Holdren, Vulture, 20 Apr. 2026
  • While Edebiri is fantastic in the wittier sequences, her dramatic turns lack an effortless authenticity.
    Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 17 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Of course, even for me there were still some jolly moments.
    Christine Smallwood, Harpers Magazine, 24 Mar. 2026
  • Vivacious Mars dances with jolly Jupiter, energizing your 6th House of Practice and your 10th House of Ambition.
    Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 21 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Make working from home more enjoyable with a clever USB desk fan ($8) and soothing essential oil diffuser ($7).
    Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Apr. 2026
  • Through it all, the cats remain the center of her world — unpredictable, clever and endlessly entertaining.
    Ashley Vega, PEOPLE, 24 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • So pour yourself something festive and keep scrolling for easy ways to bring a little bit of Louisville flair to your wardrobe.
    Melanie Fincher, Southern Living, 23 Apr. 2026
  • The siblings were spotted sitting near one another and chatting with other people during the festive event held in the Marble Room of Buckingham Palace.
    Janine Henni, PEOPLE, 22 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • In recent years, Grohl has been in the news for less cheerful reasons.
    Stuart Berman, Pitchfork, 25 Apr. 2026
  • Just take a look at how this fence mural by Sarah Murphy adds a cheerful pop of color to this outdoor space.
    Tessa Cooper, The Spruce, 25 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The series opens with Niall’s jovial Scottish wedding.
    Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 21 Apr. 2026
  • In New Orleans, one of the earliest slammers was a jovial fellow named Damian Labeaud, who, starting in 2010, recruited passengers from the local community with the promise of insurance payouts, then took them hunting on the freeway for a truck.
    Patrick Radden Keefe, New Yorker, 13 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Jocular.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/jocular. Accessed 27 Apr. 2026.

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