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
Lauren Ashley Bishop, Variety, 15 Jan. 2026
Ezra Shaw / Getty Images The San Francisco 49ers held a Christmas Eve practice Wednesday without their jolliest player.
—Matt Barrows, New York Times, 25 Dec. 2025
Bay Area News Group, Mercury News, 6 Jan. 2026
At Christmas morning church service in Sandringham, Norfolk, Kate Middleton, King Charles and Queen Camilla look jolly upon arrival.
—Katie Hill, 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
And what is a world without a jolly Santa Claus?
—Lauren Ashley Bishop, Variety, 15 Jan. 2026
Ezra Shaw / Getty Images The San Francisco 49ers held a Christmas Eve practice Wednesday without their jolliest player.
—Matt Barrows, New York Times, 25 Dec. 2025
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
At Christmas morning church service in Sandringham, Norfolk, Kate Middleton, King Charles and Queen Camilla look jolly upon arrival.
—Katie Hill, 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
-
The atmosphere was noisy in a good way, with merry patrons having a good time.—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
24 Feb. 2026
-
Pip pip, cheerio, and a merry good day to you, sirs and madams.—
Jason P. Frank,
Vulture,
19 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Swapping out your sponge not only cuts down on germs but also keeps dish suds smelling fresh and pleasant, a small comfort that makes the daily dishwashing routine a bit more enjoyable.—
Jessica Safavimehr,
Southern Living,
27 Feb. 2026
-
If the underripe pineapple is not pleasant to eat once cut, utilize by freezing chunks and adding to smoothies or toss them in a savory stir-fry recipe.—
Katlyn Moncada,
Better Homes & Gardens,
27 Feb. 2026
Adverb
-
In fact, very little separates them.—
PC Magazine,
PC Magazine,
22 Feb. 2026
-
So people are very patient with me.—
Wesley Stenzel,
Entertainment Weekly,
22 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Minaj has also drawn headlines in recent months for cozying up to Trump, something Trevor Noah joked about with no issue at the Grammys.—
Joseph Wilkinson,
New York Daily News,
25 Feb. 2026
-
Ripa joked on Wednesday, looking toward producer Michael Gelman.—
Joey Nolfi,
Entertainment Weekly,
25 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
This 18-inch-by-18-inch square pillow is emblazoned with a bright green fuzzy clover to add a cozy, festive touch to your couch or chair.—
Michele Laufik,
Martha Stewart,
27 Feb. 2026
-
During the December quarter, the Indian economy saw a selective uptick in domestic consumption of gold and automobiles due to the festive season.—
Priyanka Salve,
CNBC,
27 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
The omakase experience is delightful, and Shinya Takahashi's talent is impressive—almost as impressive as the fact that he's taught himself English in a couple of years via watching YouTube videos (all while raising five children).—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
22 Feb. 2026
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This delightful stop-motion comedy from the world of Wallace & Gromit brilliantly tells its story without a word of dialogue.—
Danny Horn,
Entertainment Weekly,
22 Feb. 2026
Adverb
-
Today any surface that has a coating, any device that uses stacks of extremely thin films — television screens, cell phone screens and the microchips inside — can be traced back to Katharine, repeatedly dipping a metal plate in a trough of water.—
Natalia Sánchez Loayza,
Scientific American,
26 Feb. 2026
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Wlazlo is extremely driven and results-oriented, Tessaro said.—
Brian Womack,
Dallas Morning News,
26 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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With a creamy sauce and tender, silky onions, everything about this dish is enjoyable—including the fact it's made in one pan for easy clean-up.—
Cameron Beall,
Southern Living,
20 Feb. 2026
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These popular items aim to make life with pets easier, cleaner, and more enjoyable.—
Kasey Caminiti,
USA Today,
20 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Jolly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/jolly. Accessed 28 Feb. 2026.
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