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
  • In recent years, the two comedians, actors, and Ride podcast co-hosts—who are also real-life BFFs—have nailed the storied art of incredibly niche, highly specific, social media brainrot Halloween costumes.
    — Christian Allaire, Vogue, 30 Oct. 2026
  • Fielder, for those unfamiliar with his work, is a comedian, best known for his Comedy Central series (currently streaming on HBO) Nathan for You.
    — ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 30 Oct. 2026
Definition of comedian
Noun
  • That’s not to jinx the master clown who’s currently doddering around in Argan’s shoes on Broadway.
    — Sara Holdren, Vulture, 23 Oct. 2026
  • In several descriptions of these amateur events, including some of his own, Hemingway sounds less like a matador than a rodeo clown.
    — Stephen Bates, New Yorker, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of clown
Noun
  • Helen needs to talk to that guy, but that’s never going to happen because Sam is just too good at his job.
    — Sophie Brookover, Vulture, 5 Nov. 2026
  • So, our priority is to help these guys get better and win in conjunction with that.
    — Jason Beede, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 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
  • Mido, the jerk who blocks your progress in Kokiri Forest, has been subtly rewritten from bully to overbearing but well-intentioned boss.
    — James Perkins Mastromarino, NPR, 4 Nov. 2026
  • Whizzing up and down the hills of San Francisco, I was at once mesmerized by the steering wheel turning on its own and a bit scared of the occasional jerk and sudden stop.
    — Peter Hall, Scientific American, 3 Nov. 2026
Definition of jerk
Noun
  • Told without the participation of a single male actor, The Women turned Hollywood’s all-boys club on its head, becoming a major hit in a year dominated by Gone With the Wind and The Wizard of Oz.
    — Raymond Ang, Vogue, 24 Oct. 2026
  • The male-only succession rule means the line must move to the emperor’s younger brother Akishino, then to his 20-year-old nephew Prince Hisahito.
    — Mari Yamaguchi, Los Angeles Times, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of male
Noun
  • Kim called for a public nonprofit disaster insurance program that would cover wildfire risks for existing homes.
    — Stephen Hobbs, Sacbee.com, 4 Nov. 2026
  • The cold-testing program is intended to identify potential problems before the magnets are integrated into the machine, reducing risks during commissioning and future operation.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 4 Nov. 2026
Definition of risk
Noun
  • After contracting the plague, he was banished to a cave, where a dog brought him bread and healed his wounds by licking them.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 30 Oct. 2026
  • Anyone seeking to adopt a dog or cat can fill out the adoption form on their website.
    — Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 30 Oct. 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 7 Nov. 2026.

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