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 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 Students are required to bring two full decks of cards including the jokers. — Kris Slugg, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 Jan. 2026 Mas, though, does have a joker in his deck. — Felipe Cardenas, New York Times, 23 Jan. 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
  • Atsuko Okatsuka made history as only the second Asian-American female comedian to have an HBO comedy special in 2022, long after Margaret Cho‘s landmark HBO appearance in 1994.
    — Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 24 July 2026
  • Similarly, Davidson has reinvented his own Hollywood image, going from comedian to movie star, appearing in films like Bodies Bodies Bodies, The Dirt,and The King of Staten Island.
    — Shelby Stivale, Entertainment Weekly, 23 July 2026
Definition of comedian
Noun
  • This take on the mad clown of Gotham is less Jack Nicholson and George Romero, choosing a more stoic approach inspired by Conrad Veidt silent films and German expressionism.
    — Nick Romano, Entertainment Weekly, 23 July 2026
  • Mimi said one customer had a picture of a scary clown in his profile and his name listed as MURDER, in all caps.
    — Meena Thiruvengadam, Travel + Leisure, 21 July 2026
Definition of clown
Noun
  • But since quarterback is easily the most important position on the field, NFL teams routinely sign those guys to contract extensions well before their fifth-year option runs out.
    — Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 30 July 2026
  • Paul Hornung, Jim Taylor, Bart Starr, Ray Nitschke and all those guys.
    — Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 30 July 2026
Definition of guy
Noun
  • The trailer relies on a hitch coupler force sensor to provide continuous feedback on the pull on the tow vehicle, managing the trailer's movement by increasing motor output or applying the electro-mechanical brakes located at all four wheels.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 23 July 2026
  • Their receiver’s probably never seen an actual hitch put into it.
    — Joel Feder, The Drive, 9 July 2026
Definition of hitch
Noun
  • Led and inspired by Chef Wayne Sharpe, this fast Jamaican restaurant serves iconic island meals like jerk chicken, jerk shrimp, vegan jerk, pineapple plantains, rice and peas, and Jamaican patties.
    — Alexandra Phelps July 15, Miami Herald, 15 July 2026
  • Bates plans to expand that menu in the new brick-and-mortar restaurant, adding dishes like jerk catfish pasta and Louisiana Cajun cream sauce over dirty rice.
    — Joey Schamber, jsonline.com, 8 July 2026
Definition of jerk
Noun
  • The filmmakers have conceived a world that is both funny and extreme, navigating themes of bodily autonomy for both males and females through the playful and the monstrous.
    — William Earl, Variety, 25 July 2026
  • The sterile male flies mated with fertile female flies, but the interactions didn’t produce offspring, decreasing the overall fly population.
    — Nollyanne Delacruz, Mercury News, 24 July 2026
Definition of male
Noun
  • This places the District at significant risk of being in violation of the law and collective bargaining agreements.
    — Todd Feurer, CBS News, 31 July 2026
  • Odulio, who could not be reached for comment, previously worked as a federal trial attorney for the Department of Justice and as a senior operational risk manager for Wells Fargo.
    — Julia Coin July 31, Charlotte Observer, 31 July 2026
Definition of risk
Noun
  • On the other side are industry advocates, who say the animals are well cared for, the stables are fine and the owners and drivers love their horses like most pet owners love their dogs.
    — Barry Williams, New York Daily News, 25 July 2026
  • In practical terms, this means the HSD Gen 3 can be set up for more than a light bag or two, taking a child, an adult passenger, a family dog, groceries, or heavier everyday cargo.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 25 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 31 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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