1
as in merry
indicative of or marked by high spirits or good humor
an especially jolly crowd of well-wishers at their wedding reception
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in pleasant
giving pleasure or contentment to the mind or senses
we always have a jolly time at their seaside cottage
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in very
to a great degree
I jolly well agree that you did the right thing has become a jolly careful driver since his recent accident
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in to joke
to make jokes
spent their nights around the campfire good-naturedly jollying and telling scary stories
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of jolly
Ashley J. Dimella, FOXNews.com, 20 Dec. 2025
Much like how looking forward to something is often more enjoyable than the thing itself, the prospect of the surprises Santa will bring is a huge part of the appeal of the jolly guy.
—Ellen Sturm Niz, Parents, 19 Dec. 2025
Brendan Le, PEOPLE, 25 Dec. 2025
Any one of these whimsical ideas will make the Christmas season more jolly and joyful.
—Caylin Harris, Parents, 21 Dec. 2025
Sara Holdren, Vulture, 22 Aug. 2025
Director Nisha Ganatra jollies it along, with editor Eleanor Infante making as much rhythmic sense of the mix-ups and physical craziness as possible.
—Michael Phillips, Chicago Tribune, 6 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for jolly
Adjective
The film genre is also a favorite during the jolly season.
—Ashley J. Dimella, FOXNews.com, 20 Dec. 2025
Much like how looking forward to something is often more enjoyable than the thing itself, the prospect of the surprises Santa will bring is a huge part of the appeal of the jolly guy.
—Ellen Sturm Niz, Parents, 19 Dec. 2025
Adverb
Christmas 2025 had celebrities jolly and ready to party.
—Brendan Le, PEOPLE, 25 Dec. 2025
Any one of these whimsical ideas will make the Christmas season more jolly and joyful.
—Caylin Harris, Parents, 21 Dec. 2025
Verb
This isn’t a report by the fun police: Twelfth Night is bursting with life and humor and should by no means be a moody slog, but Ali’s production is too intent on jollying us along.
—Sara Holdren, Vulture, 22 Aug. 2025
Director Nisha Ganatra jollies it along, with editor Eleanor Infante making as much rhythmic sense of the mix-ups and physical craziness as possible.
—Michael Phillips, Chicago Tribune, 6 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for jolly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for jolly
Adjective
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Which means if there’s more than two inches of snow on the ground, a merry band of Aurora volunteers spread out across neighborhoods to help seniors clear their sidewalks, stoops and driveways.—
Denise Crosby,
Chicago Tribune,
30 Jan. 2026
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In fact, the more, the merrier!—
Kaitlyn Yarborough,
Southern Living,
17 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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The spa With its indoor/outdoor hydrotherapy pool giving onto a pleasant sun terrace as well as an art-deco style indoor pool with an adjacent bar, this is a spoiling spa whatever the season.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
6 Feb. 2026
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The pleasant orchestration becomes a scream as Censori pulls out a cake in the same scarlet as her latex.—
Anna Peele,
Vanity Fair,
6 Feb. 2026
Adverb
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Having stabilized his ship in orbit around the black hole, Dr Hans Reinhardt (a bizarre, OTT performance from Maximilian Schell) now plans to fly into it, assisted by an unquestioning crew of automatons with a very dark origin story.—
Richard Edwards,
Space.com,
8 Feb. 2026
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While promoting her new miniseries Vanished in New York City on February 3, the actor was spotted flashing a peace sign for photographers and carrying a very familiar handbag on the other arm.—
Kathleen Walsh,
Glamour,
7 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Canada’s Brett Gallant joked with his coaches.—
Zack Pierce,
New York Times,
4 Feb. 2026
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Stewart joked Jon Stewart is clearing the air after finding his name in the Epstein files' search results.—
Brenton Blanchet,
PEOPLE,
3 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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All February long, 618 is offering a 4-course $99 Romance Experience Menu paired with fun, festive Valentine's Day cocktail specials.—
Courtney Cherry,
CBS News,
6 Feb. 2026
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From creamy dips to spicy wings to pigs in a blanket, all of these festive recipes are sure to crowdpleasers.—
Krissy Tiglias,
Southern Living,
6 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Another delightful spot is Mistura Restaurant, which boasts Peruvian cuisine and an excellent cocktail menu.—
Ronny Maye,
Essence,
1 Feb. 2026
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Fill approximately 15 skewers with a delightful assortment of briney pickles, and arrange them by inserting the base of each skewer into the floral foam.—
Sophia Beams,
Better Homes & Gardens,
31 Jan. 2026
Adverb
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Perhaps, on extremely long timescales, those heavier elements will sink to the center of the core, producing an inert center that slows the rate of fusion even further.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
6 Feb. 2026
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Even in hockey – a sport that is extremely popular around the world – there are terms used by commentators or pundits that you might not be accustomed to hearing if not a regular to the sport.—
Ben Morse,
CNN Money,
5 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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And while a few are chasing specific bucket-list goals, many simply want to go somewhere enjoyable, do something engaging, and stay healthy.—
Kathy Boardman,
USA Today,
7 Feb. 2026
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The party was a most enjoyable dance, typical of the charming informal entertainments for which the club is noted.—
From staff reports,
Memphis Commercial Appeal,
6 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Jolly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/jolly. Accessed 8 Feb. 2026.
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