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 Patricia lined up Reese as a joker defender, which is a hybrid linebacker/edge rusher who can play on the edge or move inside to spy on the quarterback or contain opposing running backs. — Joe Reedy, Chicago Tribune, 13 Apr. 2026 Like any public hearing, there were a few jokers who had some strange outbursts, but the majority of the over a dozen speakers weren’t satisfied with Gower’s presentation and used their times to ask questions of the owners as to what has taken so long with this project. — Brian Welk, IndieWire, 12 May 2026 The 69-year-old joker plans to make his comeback at California’s Ice House Comedy Club in Pasadena Wednesday night. — Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 29 Apr. 2026 After months bandying about the term joker to describe his team’s need for a matchup-threat pass-catcher, Sean Payton sat with the media at the NFL owners’ meetings in Palm Beach, Florida, last year and confirmed Denver had gotten its guy. — Luca Evans, Denver Post, 28 Mar. 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 a TikTok video shared on Monday, June 30, the comedian and podcast host, 34, spoke about getting Dysport, an injectable neurotoxin, in her masseter muscles as a TMJ treatment.
    — Catherine Santino, PEOPLE, 3 July 2026
  • Dozens of people gathered at the courthouse in solidarity with the comedian on Friday, chanting anti‑government slogans, according to the opposition‑leaning newspaper Cumhuriyet.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 3 July 2026
Definition of comedian
Noun
  • The group demonstrated near the Washington Monument and was met by a few counter protestors, one of which played clown music throughout the majority of the demonstration.
    — Antonio Pequeño IV, Forbes.com, 4 July 2026
  • But many did not, as the 1981 episodes tell the grim tale of a young girl named Sylvia (Barash), who is raped by a stranger wearing a horrifying clown mask.
    — Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 3 July 2026
Definition of clown
Noun
  • But no, instead he is forced to bro out with all the guys, worst of which is Charlie, whom Brooks understandably has zero desire to spend any time with whatsoever.
    — Tom Smyth, Vulture, 9 July 2026
  • But Toney isn’t awestruck, nor too afraid to speak up to the guy who once manned the middle of his boyhood team’s defense.
    — Daniel Flick, AJC.com, 9 July 2026
Definition of guy
Noun
  • Before every project hits the factory floor, a computer analysis calculates every cut and sorts out unforeseen hitches that can bring traditional projects to a halt such as conflicts between plumbing lines and bearing walls, Glenn said.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2026
  • All six exterior colors are included in the price and a tow hitch comes standard.
    — Brooke Crothers, Forbes.com, 4 July 2026
Definition of hitch
Noun
  • For instance, there are glazed pork belly chunks served on crispy tostones, tuna tataki with a jerk-spice rub, and a bright, citrusy conch salad.
    — Chadner Navarro, Travel + Leisure, 29 June 2026
  • Learn how to cook lionfish ceviche, jerk chicken, and more with a group of like-minded people from all over the world, concluding with an alfresco feast—a true one-of-a-kind connection between strangers.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 June 2026
Definition of jerk
Noun
  • Harford County authorities and the FBI worked with Othram after DNA evidence did not immediately identify the unknown male suspect through traditional methods.
    — Sarah Rumpf-Whitten, FOXNews.com, 5 July 2026
  • In many cases, males blink about every five seconds while searching for females and females respond with flashes of their own about every two seconds.
    — Janet Loehrke, USA Today, 5 July 2026
Definition of male
Noun
  • Many who rely on copper-wire landlines live in remote rural areas, but some also live in the hills and canyons of major metro areas like Los Angeles, where cell and internet service is patchy and the risk of natural disasters is high.
    — Jenny Jarvie Follow, Los Angeles Times, 10 July 2026
  • The goal is to improve inspection quality while reducing the risks associated with labor-intensive maintenance work.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 10 July 2026
Definition of risk
Noun
  • This cot-style find is made of breathable mesh fabric to keep your dog cool, and the steel frame features skid-resistant feet.
    — Christina Shepherd McGuire, PEOPLE, 5 July 2026
  • Their dog was found alive, which gave the younger Eliezer Alfonzo hope.
    — Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 5 July 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 10 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on joker

Nglish: Translation of joker for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about joker

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