Definition of jocundnext
as in merry
indicative of or marked by high spirits or good humor old friends engaged in jocund teasing

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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How does the adjective jocund differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of jocund are blithe, jolly, jovial, and merry. While all these words mean "showing high spirits or lightheartedness," jocund stresses elation and exhilaration of spirits.

singing, dancing, and jocund feasting

When would blithe be a good substitute for jocund?

While in some cases nearly identical to jocund, blithe suggests carefree, innocent, or even heedless gaiety.

arrived late in his usual blithe way

When might jolly be a better fit than jocund?

In some situations, the words jolly and jocund are roughly equivalent. However, jolly suggests high spirits expressed in laughing, bantering, and jesting.

our jolly host enlivened the party

In what contexts can jovial take the place of jocund?

The words jovial and jocund are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, jovial suggests the stimulation of conviviality and good fellowship.

dinner put them in a jovial mood

When can merry be used instead of jocund?

The meanings of merry and jocund largely overlap; however, merry suggests cheerful, joyous, uninhibited enjoyment of frolic or festivity.

a merry group of revelers

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 jocund Political Mooovment forces an examination of how consuming dairy and meat harms our planet and potentially our bodies, underscored by a jocund tone. Natasha Gural, Forbes, 29 May 2021 There’s a feeling of joy that comes with walking into Jovanina’s Broken Italian, a jocund eight-month-old eatery that’s part of LoDo’s recent restaurant renaissance. Daliah Singer, The Know, 6 Aug. 2019
Recent Examples of Synonyms for jocund
Adjective
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • Reblooming amaryllis each year saves money and brings back its festive charm every season.
    Cori Sears, The Spruce, 11 Jan. 2026
  • The annual Three Kings parade blessed Little Havana yet again this year with its festive attire.
    Alie Skowronski, Miami Herald, 11 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Jocund.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/jocund. Accessed 14 Jan. 2026.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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