1
as in laugh
something said or done to cause laughter
he was known for his hilarious jokes
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in parody
a poor, insincere, or insulting imitation of something
her rendition of the national anthem is a joke
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in fool
a person or thing that is made fun of
having lost his looks and his voice years ago, these days he's just a show business joke and fodder for late-night comedy
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in to fun
to make jokes
he was known for his ability to joke about his lack of anything resembling a social life
Synonyms & Similar Words
as in kidding
marked by or expressive of mild or good-natured teasing
grinned and gave him a joking nudge with my elbow
Synonyms & Similar Words
1
as in funning
to make jokes
he was known for his ability to joke about his lack of anything resembling a social life
Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in teasing
to make fun of in a good-natured way
oh, don't get offended, I was just joking you
Synonyms & Similar Words
as in jesting
Related Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of joking
Michael Nied, People.com, 2 Sep. 2025
Multiple outlets that examined the reporting identified the claim as unverified and labeled the story a hoax; Colbert had previously made a joking on-air reference to streaming platforms but had not announced any deal with Netflix.
—Megan Cartwright, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Sep. 2025
Matthew Shen Goodman, Harpers Magazine, 19 Sep. 2025
The eerie sight prompted plenty of jokes and speculation.
—Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 Sep. 2025
Barbie Porter, Twin Cities, 18 Sep. 2025
The effort has been widely praised on social media, and discussing the initiative on Reddit, several fans joked about the amount of debt forgiveness that could be achieved with the amount of money Hollywood spends on big-budget films.
—Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 18 Sep. 2025
Erin Hill, People.com, 9 Sep. 2025
Kate, 46, began by joking about how their relationship evolved from childhood into adulthood.
—Erin Clack, PEOPLE, 7 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for joking
Noun
When Peanut pulled his second escape act, his owners knew where to look and handled Peanut's disappearance in a joking manner.
—Michael Nied, People.com, 2 Sep. 2025
Multiple outlets that examined the reporting identified the claim as unverified and labeled the story a hoax; Colbert had previously made a joking on-air reference to streaming platforms but had not announced any deal with Netflix.
—Megan Cartwright, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Sep. 2025
Verb
The boys have jokes and nicknames for each other.
—Matthew Shen Goodman, Harpers Magazine, 19 Sep. 2025
The eerie sight prompted plenty of jokes and speculation.
—Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 Sep. 2025
Adjective
For Wyatt, those times often included silly banter and joking with his grandfather, or the time a packet of hot chocolate exploded in his face.
—Barbie Porter, Twin Cities, 18 Sep. 2025
The effort has been widely praised on social media, and discussing the initiative on Reddit, several fans joked about the amount of debt forgiveness that could be achieved with the amount of money Hollywood spends on big-budget films.
—Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 18 Sep. 2025
Noun
Harry brought his trademark humor and warmth to the awards, a ceremony honoring seriously ill children who have shown incredible courage, joking and making smiles all around.
—Erin Hill, People.com, 9 Sep. 2025
Kate, 46, began by joking about how their relationship evolved from childhood into adulthood.
—Erin Clack, PEOPLE, 7 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for joking
Recent Examples of Synonyms for joking
Adjective
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With his dry, sarcastic wit and honesty, Barney is a notorious player on the dating scene.—
Lisa Stardust,
PEOPLE,
19 Sep. 2025
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His witty, sarcastic, and often controversial commentary is the soundtrack to a generation of wrestling fans.—
Andrew Ravens,
MSNBC Newsweek,
11 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Louie is summoned to the apartment of Joe Black, a higher-up gangster played by John Malkovich with a manner so quizzical yet threatening that his voice just about quivers with unexpressed rage.—
Owen Gleiberman,
Variety,
3 Sep. 2025
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Cue a quizzical look from Sting.—
Melissa Ruggieri,
USA Today,
8 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Joking.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/joking. Accessed 22 Sep. 2025.
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