joker

noun

ˈjō-kər How to pronounce joker (audio)
Definition of jokernext
1
as in comedian
a person (as a writer) noted for or specializing in humor he's the joker of the family, always making us laugh

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2
as in clown
a person whose behavior is offensive to others just ignore that joker and his rude comments

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in guy
an adult male human being sat at the bar next to some poor joker who had just lost his job

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4
as in hitch
a danger or difficulty that is hidden or not easily recognized read the contract carefully before signing to make sure there aren't any jokers

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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 joker The win came July 30 with a hand of four aces and a joker, the casino said. — Don Sweeney, Sacbee.com, 11 Aug. 2026 Arnetra and her sister, Akiva, described Darius as a joker, always striving to bring joy to those around him. — Maveah Griffith, Charlotte Observer, 31 July 2026 David May was the joker in the team; Paul Scholes was the silent assassin, sat there at the back, throwing comments. — Andy Mitten, New York Times, 31 July 2026 Clooney might be known as the joker of the two. — Stephanie Sengwe, PEOPLE, 22 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for joker
Recent Examples of Synonyms for joker
  1. comedian
  2. clown
  3. guy
  4. hitch
  5. jerk
  6. male
  7. risk
  8. dog
Noun
  • According to The Times, the court heard that Bayles and another member of Brand’s entourage, Gareth Roy, said the comedian would only continue working if the complainant gave him a massage.
    — K.J. Yossman, Variety, 6 Nov. 2026
  • Brand made a name for himself on British television as a TV presenter and as a stand-up comedian.
    — Adela Suliman, NBC news, 5 Nov. 2026
Definition of comedian
Noun
  • Two clowns in serious legal trouble colluded to put the entire planet in an economic crisis.
    — Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 7 Nov. 2026
  • The procession will also welcome 52 floats, 31 clown crews, nine specialty units (such as trycaloons, or balloons ridden on tricycles), seven marching bands, and five balloonicles (that’s a balloon-vehicle hybrid).
    — Rachel Chang, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Nov. 2026
Definition of clown
Noun
  • But there was something incredibly refreshing about just playing a guy who is not trying to be nice.
    — Yvonne Villarreal, Los Angeles Times, 12 Nov. 2026
  • Right, guys who slowed down records in their little house as a kid to learn the fingering of different rock songs are not like Bluto from Popeye.
    — Jason Newman, Rolling Stone, 12 Nov. 2026
Definition of guy
Noun
  • Beil says the two are talking to Hatch about hosting the show there long-term, but there is one hitch.
    — Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 27 Oct. 2026
  • Taking a quick step back, Madsen found freshman receiver Rasean Jones on a quick hitch down the left sideline — and enough for the first down.
    — Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 25 Oct. 2026
Definition of hitch
Noun
  • Its patented HeadCatch Technology helps prevent the all-too-familiar nod, jerk and repeat cycle that makes sleeping upright such a challenge.
    — David Dickstein, Oc Register, 11 Nov. 2026
  • As Walter, Carman Lacivita has to be a pompous jerk for a lot of this play then must soften for scenes of genuine compassion and personal growth.
    — Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 7 Nov. 2026
Definition of jerk
Noun
  • Transgender-rights supporters marched through downtown Seattle Thursday after Washington voters approved a measure barring biological males from girls’ K–12 interscholastic sports, setting up a potential court battle over the new restrictions.
    — Jackson Thompson OutKick, FOXNews.com, 7 Nov. 2026
  • Median lifespan fell by roughly 11% in females and 13% in males.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 6 Nov. 2026
Definition of male
Noun
  • Wildlife crossings being built across California to help reduce collisions between animals and vehicles are not enough to protect the state’s at-risk wildlife and should be enhanced with extensive fencing, according to a new UC study.
    — Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 11 Nov. 2026
  • Dangerously large breaking waves can overpower swimmers, pulling people into the sea from beaches, jetties, and rocks resulting in significant physical injury and increasing the risk of drowning.
    — CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 11 Nov. 2026
Definition of risk
Noun
  • The retail giant won a new trial in the case of a woman who had been awarded a nearly $1 million verdict after slipping and falling on a liquid in the dog food aisle of a store in Valdosta.
    — Adam Beam, AJC.com, 6 Nov. 2026
  • Ask to see the set that still remains—just watch out for the grumpy resident dog, who is best admired from afar.
    — Lale Arikoglu, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Nov. 2026
Definition of dog

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Cite this Entry

“Joker.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/joker. Accessed 14 Nov. 2026.

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