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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 Indeed, comments immediately arose among fans — some jocular, some serious — that Starkey might be in line to take over in the Foos for Freese. Chris Willman, Variety, 18 May 2025 Could all this jocular, misogynistic vulgarity influence anybody? Helen Shaw, New Yorker, 4 Apr. 2025 For years, Marvel films worked this jocular-fantastic angle, in pointed contrast to the grimdark expectorations of their DC counterparts, who were drowning in a morass of runaway budgets and brooding slo-mo. Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 14 Mar. 2025 His jocular reaction was priceless. Tim Ellis, Forbes, 9 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for jocular
Recent Examples of Synonyms for jocular
Adjective
  • The change in environment prompted some humorous speculation from commenters about how the new stairs might affect the cat's health.
    Maria Morava, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Oct. 2025
  • Cooper gets considerable humorous mileage out of his goofy stoner role, starting with a guffaw-inducing pratfall entrance involving an exploding carton of oat milk.
    David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 10 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Food Network unveiled its lineup of more than 50 hours of holiday episodes and PEOPLE has the exclusive first-look at all the merry and bright shows.
    Sabrina Weiss, PEOPLE, 8 Oct. 2025
  • Discovering its contents, day in and day out throughout the course of the merriest month of the year, will give you a taste of Glasshouse Fragrances’ bestselling formulas that please even the pickiest of noses.
    Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 2 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • In a witty and wry artisanal classic, an American team aims to claim the top prize at the Mondial du Fromage cheesemongering competition in France.
    Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 9 Oct. 2025
  • The track had previously sparked controversy, due to its witty nods to Swift’s relationship with her fiancé, football player Travis Kelce, mentioning hard rocks, magic wands, and new heights of manhood.
    Maria Azzurra Volpe, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Given the economic uncertainty of inflationary pressures and tariffs, this holiday season could be a less jolly one for retailers.
    Suzanne Blake, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Oct. 2025
  • There will be games, food, contests, and jolly times for all.
    Lizz Schumer, PEOPLE, 30 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The object emits no light, meaning the astronomers had to use a clever workaround to find it.
    Chris Young, Interesting Engineering, 10 Oct. 2025
  • In 2005, LifeStraw offered a clever aid to help more people drink safe water.
    Merrill Fabry, Time, 9 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Costumes are encouraged, and efforts are rewarded with glow-in-the-dark medals and a festive long-sleeve shirt.
    Symiah Dorsey, Southern Living, 11 Oct. 2025
  • In addition to the festive red hue, the matching set is also available in neutral colors like beige and black.
    Clara McMahon, PEOPLE, 11 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Their home is decorated with friendly pumpkins and paper bats, adding to the cheerful atmosphere.
    Elisabeth Sherman, Parents, 10 Oct. 2025
  • His cheerful demeanor has returned, and the family is adjusting to life with EpiPens tucked in every bag.
    Daniella Gray, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • In another vignette, Swift is part of a Supremes-like girl group entertaining a speakeasy full of jovial patrons.
    Lauren Huff, Entertainment Weekly, 6 Oct. 2025
  • Eventually the in-studio warm-up comic, Don Barris, a jovial pro with a Taftian mustache, led a few applause drills.
    Rebecca Alter, Vulture, 3 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Jocular.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/jocular. Accessed 16 Oct. 2025.

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