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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
  • The picture’s eclectic cast, which included Anouk Aimée, Greta Scacchi and Maximilian Schell (with cameos by Faye Dunaway, Holly Hunter and Jeff Goldblum), swirled its merry way across the grand event in search of romance, fame and the ever-elusive movie deal.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 12 May 2026
  • But in the cycling ecosystem, the Rockets are still minnows, a bunch of merry men with a camera — up against teams funded by international business conglomerates and nation states.
    Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 9 May 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
  • For a splash of color, accessorize with Neous’s cherry-red heeled sandals and Etro’s festive beaded bag.
    Laura Jackson, Vogue, 14 May 2026
  • The atmosphere is festive, the music lively, and the service on point.
    Essence, Essence, 13 May 2026
Noun
  • Hannah Einbinder and Gillian Anderson star in the writer-director’s third feature film, which received a six-minute standing ovation on Wednesday night as Schoenbrun hugged their stars to roaring applause and cheers from the crowd.
    Angelique Jackson, Variety, 13 May 2026
  • According to Briggs, after an officer took off his shirt in a faux striptease during a dance-off for a raffle prize, Kennedy put dollar bills in the officer’s pockets then took a bow — which Briggs said elicited cheers.
    Teri Figueroa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Jocund.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/jocund. Accessed 16 May. 2026.

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