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
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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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of jocular
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 incomprehensibility of it all, of every awful thing wreaking havoc at once, has Gus in a state of jocular shock.
—Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 5 June 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
Perin Gürel, The Conversation, 19 Aug. 2025
The incomprehensibility of it all, of every awful thing wreaking havoc at once, has Gus in a state of jocular shock.
—Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 5 June 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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Delhomme’s answer, by turns humorous and insightful, is worth listening to.—
Scott Fowler,
Charlotte Observer,
7 Jan. 2026
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These items feel sentimental and humorous (in an endearing, nostalgic way).—
Cori Sears,
Better Homes & Gardens,
6 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Besides its prominent cloud belts, Jupiter's greatest telescopic treasure are its four Galilean moons that run a merry race with each other around the planet, changing their respective positions from hour to hour and night to night.—
Joe Rao,
Space.com,
7 Jan. 2026
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The residents were excited to see both, but the real dog hopped down and went on its merry way, while Jennie stuck around to be snuggled.—
Rena Goldman,
EverydayHealth.com,
7 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Bode will play Greta Mills, Ro’s smart, witty and ambitious research partner who unwittingly becomes entangled in the film’s violent conflict.—
Andrew McGowan,
Variety,
7 Jan. 2026
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In late April, love gets chatty and playful when Venus enters Gemini, followed by electric Uranus, bringing sparks through conversation, witty banter, spontaneous plans and flirting that starts as a joke and ends in a date.—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
7 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Ezra Shaw / Getty Images The San Francisco 49ers held a Christmas Eve practice Wednesday without their jolliest player.—
Matt Barrows,
New York Times,
25 Dec. 2025
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Wolff checks his list twice, and then heads off on his jolly mission, delivering gifts, goodness, and a reminder that the need is growing.—
Carolyn Gusoff,
CBS News,
25 Dec. 2025
Adjective
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Each clever accessory is under $15 — that’s less than the cost of a sandwich special at my favorite deli.—
Sian Babish,
PEOPLE,
11 Jan. 2026
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With two bedrooms and two baths, the home is surprisingly expansive, boasting just under 2,400 square feet across its clever layout.—
Miriam Schwartz,
Boston Herald,
9 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Reblooming amaryllis each year saves money and brings back its festive charm every season.—
Cori Sears,
The Spruce,
11 Jan. 2026
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The annual Three Kings parade blessed Little Havana yet again this year with its festive attire.—
Alie Skowronski,
Miami Herald,
11 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Sweater nails feel cozy and cheerful in the winter, especially in a shocking shade of scarlet.—
Ariel Wodarcyk,
InStyle,
9 Jan. 2026
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Citrus Wreaths Create cheerful wreaths that lean on in-season oranges and lemons for pops of color.—
Cameron Beall,
Southern Living,
8 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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The Hornets for all of their intense in-game play are often a jovial lot.—
Joe Davidson,
Sacbee.com,
19 Oct. 2025
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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
Cite this Entry
“Jocular.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/jocular. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.
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