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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

jocundity

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noun

Synonym Chooser

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
Adjective
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
  • Many movies tried to recreate its magic mixture, including some of its own sequels, but few achieved the merry concoction of frights, gore, and giggles that Craven handled so masterfully.
    Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 3 Mar. 2026
  • The atmosphere was noisy in a good way, with merry patrons having a good time.
    Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 24 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • On The Late Show, Stephen Colbert could not contain his glee.
    Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 6 Mar. 2026
  • The former Nuggets guard danced around Ball Arena with glee throughout a 6-for-7 shooting game and was even bold enough to confront 7-footer Jonas Valanciunas after taking exception to a foul.
    Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 1 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • 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
  • 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
Noun
  • His cheerfulness and laughter often brought strength and refreshment to me in difficult times.
    Greg Evans, Deadline, 4 Feb. 2026
  • Raines replied, her usual cheerfulness stepping up a notch.
    Rebecca Boone, Fortune, 29 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Each clever trap lands with festive flair, proving that Windsor’s women really run the show.
    Cincinnati Enquirer, Cincinnati Enquirer, 7 Mar. 2026
  • Whether your family celebrates Easter with a festive brunch or dinner meal, there’s always room for a breadbasket.
    Mary Shannon Wells, Southern Living, 6 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • The fans even got eight free Chick-Fil-A free chicken nuggets due to Caleb Martin missing two straight fourth-quarter free throws, which drew one of the evening’s biggest cheers.
    Scott Fowler March 4, Charlotte Observer, 4 Mar. 2026
  • Stacked in a pile or hanging from hooks—they’re a fun punch of color to add to any space that needs some cheer.
    Ashley Poskin, Martha Stewart, 4 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Jocund.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/jocund. Accessed 10 Mar. 2026.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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