1
as in humorous
given to or marked by mature intelligent humor
made the jocular observation that the best way to make a small fortune in the wine business is to start off with a large fortune
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in merry
indicative of or marked by high spirits or good humor
the children at the library were charmed by the jocular storyteller
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of jocular
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
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
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
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
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
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
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That’s what happens with Netflix’s saucy eight-part adaptation of Julia May Jonas’ spicy novel, a sly one that’s intent on elbowing academia in a humorous way.—
Randy Myers,
Mercury News,
5 Mar. 2026
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Its décor reflects the restaurant’s personality — casual, humorous and rooted in local culture.—
Susan Stapleton,
Des Moines Register,
1 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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That would be the Vanity Fair Oscar Party, where A-listers gather to drink, dance, and be merry until the early-morning hours.—
Savannah Walsh,
Vanity Fair,
9 Mar. 2026
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Eminently rewatchable, Gavin and Stacey is one of the merriest of BBC sitcoms.—
Declan Gallagher,
Entertainment Weekly,
7 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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While Minnelli, 79, pens darker moments of grief and addiction, her memoir is an overall romp through a life in showbiz, complete with plenty of witty zingers.—
Clare Mulroy,
USA Today,
10 Mar. 2026
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Salazar-Thompson’s witty script — packed with hilarious metaphors and similes (like comparing a woman’s firm grip on her purse to that of a two-toed sloth on a branch) — make for a consistently amusing trip back in time.—
Pam Kragen,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
9 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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There’s a great Wings photo that fans cherish — a day in the Scottish highlands, the family farm, Paul and the band playing a jolly game of footie while his sheepdog muse Martha joins in, chasing the ball.—
Rob Sheffield,
Rolling Stone,
24 Feb. 2026
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His jolly presence, which is 21-feet wide, is stopping drivers in front of Katie Aalerud's house.—
Mike Sullivan,
CBS News,
19 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Each clever trap lands with festive flair, proving that Windsor’s women really run the show.—
Cincinnati Enquirer,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
7 Mar. 2026
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Career conversations ask for calm leadership as the vibrant Sun embraces clever Mercury in your 10th House of Respect, invigorating you with ambitious potential.—
Tarot.com,
Hartford Courant,
7 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Krispy Kreme’s O’riginal Glazed Doughnut — a vibrant green version of its signature pastry — debuted in 2016 and has returned every year (usually only for a few days) to mark the festive holiday.—
Tanasia Kenney,
Charlotte Observer,
13 Mar. 2026
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Local lowriders will participate in several community contests, andparticipants are encouraged to decorate their cars and show up in festive attire.—
Bella Monaco,
Dallas Morning News,
13 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Creeping phlox is a great choice for edging, rock walls, or slopes, and will brighten any garden with its abundance of cheerful pastel blooms.—
Samantha Johnson,
Martha Stewart,
5 Mar. 2026
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Daisies look more cute and cheerful than ever when paired with green cat-eye polish.—
Ariel Wodarcyk,
InStyle,
5 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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The instinctive Moon opposes jovial Jupiter, tangling your 10th House of Ambition with your 4th House of Comfort.—
Tarot.com,
Baltimore Sun,
13 Mar. 2026
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The 6-foot-9, 250-pound forward, whom coaches called jovial and spirited, motors through games, his hair wild and his feelings written all over his face.—
Colleen Kane,
Chicago Tribune,
13 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Jocular.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/jocular. Accessed 14 Mar. 2026.
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