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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
  • Looking for an excuse to eat, drink and be merry this weekend?
    Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 30 Apr. 2026
  • Knoxville and his merry band of delightfully sadistic goons are back for one possibly final rodeo.
    Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 27 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Friends including Whitney Cummings, Kaitlyn Dever, Ben Platt, Olivia Wilde, Uzo Aduba, Joey King and Monica Lewinsky chimed in with glee in comments on the joint post.
    Assistant Editor, Los Angeles Times, 4 May 2026
  • Managers attacking journalists usually ends one way, and, predictably, Bild spent the rest of the weekend reporting with glee on Frankfurt’s defeat and poor form.
    Sebastian Stafford-Bloor, New York Times, 3 May 2026
Adjective
  • The neighborhood Neighboring St Moritz was adopted in the 19th century by all those jolly-hockey-stick Brits, who introduced skiing and tobogganing, but little Sils Maria has always been more cerebral.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Apr. 2026
  • Of course, even for me there were still some jolly moments.
    Christine Smallwood, Harpers Magazine, 24 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • This kind of optimism and cheerfulness can make leaders more empathetic and pleasant to work with, partly because psychology research finds that positive moods increase helping, generosity and interpersonal understanding.
    Aditya Simha, The Conversation, 7 May 2026
  • Half critic, half concierge, Edwards’ round-ups are generally distinguished by a cheerfulness.
    Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 27 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Production recently wrapped in Detroit, Michigan, with a plan to release during the 2026 festive season after a festival run.
    Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 8 May 2026
  • The festival is broken into two halves, with an Intermission Party in between, featuring festive food, creative opportunities, and music, offering a chance to mingle with the artists and fellow guests amid the beauty of the farm.
    News Release, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 May 2026
Noun
  • Wattson, the Kromfohrlander who stars as Copernicus, trotted out (in a tuxedo) with his trainer to audience cheers and applause.
    Abby Stern, HollywoodReporter, 6 May 2026
  • The celebratory announcement was met with cheers and sighs of relief, appearing to solidify the team’s home for the next three decades.
    Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 6 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Jocund.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/jocund. Accessed 13 May. 2026.

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