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
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 jolly
Rob Sheffield, Rolling Stone, 24 Feb. 2026
His jolly presence, which is 21-feet wide, is stopping drivers in front of Katie Aalerud's house.
—Mike Sullivan, CBS News, 19 Feb. 2026
Bay Area News Group, Mercury News, 6 Jan. 2026
Christmas 2025 had celebrities jolly and ready to party.
—Brendan Le, PEOPLE, 25 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
There’s a great Wings photo that fans cherish — a day in the Scottish highlands, the family farm, Paul and the band playing a jolly game of footie while his sheepdog muse Martha joins in, chasing the ball.
—Rob Sheffield, Rolling Stone, 24 Feb. 2026
His jolly presence, which is 21-feet wide, is stopping drivers in front of Katie Aalerud's house.
—Mike Sullivan, CBS News, 19 Feb. 2026
Adverb
While there are still January holidays on the horizon for Sikhs, Hindus and Muslims, today is the 12th day of Christmas — and then the holly-jolly season will be quickly wrapped and done.
—Bay Area News Group, Mercury News, 6 Jan. 2026
Christmas 2025 had celebrities jolly and ready to party.
—Brendan Le, PEOPLE, 25 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
-
Looking for an excuse to eat, drink and be merry this weekend?—
Patrick Connolly,
The Orlando Sentinel,
30 Apr. 2026
-
Knoxville and his merry band of delightfully sadistic goons are back for one possibly final rodeo.—
Fran Hoepfner,
Vulture,
27 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Every song hits with the same indistinguishable gush of pleasant pixels.—
Kieran Press-Reynolds,
Pitchfork,
8 May 2026
-
For a quieter and just as pleasant alternative, October through December offers comfy temperatures and a highly enjoyable local’s vibe.—
Christina Pérez,
Vogue,
8 May 2026
Adverb
-
Your co-parent is managing treatment, uncertainty and the very real fear of how this will affect his relationship with his daughter.—
Jann Blackstone,
Boston Herald,
10 May 2026
-
The hearts and minds of Braves players were on Bobby Cox on a sunny evening at Dodger Stadium before the middle game of a three-game series against the Dodgers — a game that meant very little, considering the news of the day.—
Chad Bishop,
AJC.com,
10 May 2026
Verb
-
Lindsay jokes that Kyle lost his wedding ring but found a DJ career, which lights the long fuse that ignites the whole evening.—
Brian Moylan,
Vulture,
6 May 2026
-
Former President Barack Obama joked with Stephen Colbert about the talk show host running for president.—
Terry Collins,
USA Today,
6 May 2026
Adjective
-
Production recently wrapped in Detroit, Michigan, with a plan to release during the 2026 festive season after a festival run.—
Jesse Whittock,
Deadline,
8 May 2026
-
The festival is broken into two halves, with an Intermission Party in between, featuring festive food, creative opportunities, and music, offering a chance to mingle with the artists and fellow guests amid the beauty of the farm.—
News Release,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
7 May 2026
Adjective
-
His two more physical characters were delightful to watch, like a navy admiral addicted to spit takes, as well as a substitute teacher subjecting his students to painful dancing.—
Rima Parikh,
Vulture,
10 May 2026
-
In a world more chaotic than ever, their permanence feels like a delightful moment of peace.—
Jenny B. Fine,
Footwear News,
8 May 2026
Adverb
-
Maine, too, saw its COVID numbers increase dramatically despite extremely high vaccination uptake.—
Ian Miller OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
8 May 2026
-
Even from my extremely suboptimal vantage point in the very front corner of the theater, I was awed by the depth and crispness of the 3D imagery.—
Angie Han,
HollywoodReporter,
7 May 2026
Adjective
-
Stay flexible, adjust lightly, and let what feels enjoyable lead.—
Tarot.com,
Hartford Courant,
9 May 2026
-
In those cases, purchasing certain flowers from seedlings or tubers might be more practical and enjoyable.—
SJ McShane,
Martha Stewart,
9 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Jolly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/jolly. Accessed 12 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
