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
Relevance
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
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
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
See All Example Sentences for jocular
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
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
See All Example Sentences for jocular
Recent Examples of Synonyms for jocular
Adjective
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The humorous post comes a few weeks after Diplo addressed his past fling with the pop star — who is now linked to Trudeau — on Nayeema Raza’s Smart Girls Dumb Questions podcast.—
Hannah Dailey,
Billboard,
3 Nov. 2025
-
Hirt, the retired state DOJ agent, said one item in Farzam’s home was particularly humorous.—
Ray Sanchez,
CNN Money,
2 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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To usher in the return of all things merry and bright, Dunkin' is integrating a handful of new items to its holiday menu.—
Amaris Encinas,
USA Today,
29 Oct. 2025
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Merry Moments Festive Platter May your holidays be merry and your platters be on-theme!—
Abigail Wilt,
Southern Living,
29 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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The dialogue is witty and the characters are memorable, particularly Boris Karloff as hulking manservant Morgan.—
Katie Rife,
Entertainment Weekly,
30 Oct. 2025
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In all seriousness, Pascal’s nimble and witty performance as Martell dazzled audiences, both with his winning personality and beautiful, ethically non-monogamous relationship with princess Ellaria Sand.—
Catherine Mhloyi,
Them.,
29 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Choose between five jolly patterns, including this adorable stationery-esque bow and Christmas tree option (pictured).—
Abigail Wilt,
Southern Living,
29 Oct. 2025
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Gordon helped transform The Rizzler, a jolly 9-year-old, into this generation’s Shirley Temple.—
Taylor Lorenz,
HollywoodReporter,
20 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Fox’s costume is certainly clever — and on brand for Halloween — if not exactly tasteful.—
James Hibberd,
HollywoodReporter,
31 Oct. 2025
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The decor is relatively spare, allowing the natural materials to shine and emphasizing clever design tricks like the dining-table bench built into the back of the kitchen island.—
Tori Latham,
Robb Report,
31 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Max out the cream cheese theme by adding swirls or dollops of rich and tangy Cream Cheese Frosting (below) tinted with gel or paste food coloring in your favorite festive holiday hues.—
Jessica Saari Christensen,
Better Homes & Gardens,
25 Oct. 2025
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The city is a popular spot, especially around Oktoberfest and the festive season, thanks to its renowned Christmas markets.—
Stacey Leasca,
Travel + Leisure,
25 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Her style and approach are, as always, dogged, thorough, and relentlessly cheerful.—
Sophie Brookover,
Vulture,
31 Oct. 2025
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Advertisement The clown as a fun family entertainer rebounded in the late 1940s, as American companies developed cheerful new mascots to absorb Cold War anxieties.—
Time,
Time,
30 Oct. 2025
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 5 Nov. 2025.
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