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
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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
Literary Hub, 17 Sep. 2025
Instead of its usual jolly cartoons, the channel began broadcasting footage of Russian military parades accompanied by music of the Russian nationalist singer Oleg Gazmanov.
—Tereza Pultarova, Space.com, 7 Apr. 2025
Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 11 Oct. 2025
The 8-foot display has built-in LED lights, so passersby can enjoy looking at his holly jolly smile throughout the night.
—Toni Sutton, PEOPLE, 7 Oct. 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
Lily Mathé, one of the orchestra’s best violinists, vividly remembered being made to play jolly tunes in the SS officers’ mess at Auschwitz every evening while the guards ate their dinner.
—Literary Hub, 17 Sep. 2025
Instead of its usual jolly cartoons, the channel began broadcasting footage of Russian military parades accompanied by music of the Russian nationalist singer Oleg Gazmanov.
—Tereza Pultarova, Space.com, 7 Apr. 2025
Adverb
The Broncos are having a jolly old romp in England this week, with Denver making its second visit for a game in the United Kingdom in the last four years.
—Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 11 Oct. 2025
The 8-foot display has built-in LED lights, so passersby can enjoy looking at his holly jolly smile throughout the night.
—Toni Sutton, PEOPLE, 7 Oct. 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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To usher in the return of all things merry and bright, Dunkin' is integrating a handful of new items to its holiday menu.—
Amaris Encinas,
USA Today,
29 Oct. 2025
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Merry Moments Festive Platter May your holidays be merry and your platters be on-theme!—
Abigail Wilt,
Southern Living,
29 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Friday will be a pleasant day with the high temperature near 60 degrees, however, temperatures will quickly dip in the evening after the sun sets, the forecast shows.—
Kendrick Calfee,
Kansas City Star,
31 Oct. 2025
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The 32-gram chocolate and vanilla were both pleasant, with no strange aftertaste or texture—just make sure to give them a really good shake before taking your first sip.—
Alaina Chou,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
30 Oct. 2025
Adverb
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And then, in the very last draft, my editor asked me to clarify for her how the science worked.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
4 Nov. 2025
-
Krasinski also has the least interesting yet very successful Hollywood career imaginable, but that doesn’t mean he should be exiled or worse.—
Choire Sicha,
CNN Money,
4 Nov. 2025
Verb
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Since posting, Astra’s story has attracted thousands of amused comments, with many followers joking about the dramatic difference between the two breeds.—
Alice Gibbs,
MSNBC Newsweek,
24 Oct. 2025
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The victim told police that Ising had constantly harassed him at work for two years, sitting next to him during meals and joking about his inability to eat many foods because of his medical condition.—
Judy L. Thomas,
Kansas City Star,
24 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Max out the cream cheese theme by adding swirls or dollops of rich and tangy Cream Cheese Frosting (below) tinted with gel or paste food coloring in your favorite festive holiday hues.—
Jessica Saari Christensen,
Better Homes & Gardens,
25 Oct. 2025
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The city is a popular spot, especially around Oktoberfest and the festive season, thanks to its renowned Christmas markets.—
Stacey Leasca,
Travel + Leisure,
25 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Head coach Dave Canales answered to the Panthers’ imperfect and confusingly delightful day on Sunday in his postgame press conference.—
Alex Zietlow,
Charlotte Observer,
2 Nov. 2025
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Grant is wickedly delightful, rightfully becoming one of the rare actors in a horror movie to gain awards traction, receiving nominations at the Golden Globes, Critics Choice Awards, and BAFTAs.—
Dennis Perkins,
Entertainment Weekly,
31 Oct. 2025
Adverb
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Sharon is extremely annoying, but my heart does break for her a tiny bit here.—
Sophie Brookover,
Vulture,
31 Oct. 2025
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Satchel Crossbody This effortlessly chic crossbody bag will add an elegant flair to any daytime look while also being extremely functional.—
Melony Forcier,
Travel + Leisure,
31 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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This could make eating more enjoyable, leading to eating more.—
Merve Ceylan,
Health,
26 Oct. 2025
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Taking pictures can actually make an experience more enjoyable and more lasting.—
Jack Beresford,
MSNBC Newsweek,
24 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Jolly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/jolly. Accessed 5 Nov. 2025.
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