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
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Recent Examples of jolly
Joe Klein,
Washington Post,
11 June 2026
Jason Maddy disappears into multiple roles including the sleazy diner owner, the jolly Napa depot manager who pre-reads everyone’s mail and the wise doctor who treats Tony after a car accident.
—
Pam Kragen,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
7 June 2026
Eleanor Pringle,
Fortune,
19 May 2026
Special props to the jolly axe-throwing head of adventure, Nye Rees; personable Brasserie maitre d’, Javier Padron; and trainer Peter Sullivan, who explained the finer points of fasting for women whilst crucifying my glutes.
—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
18 May 2026
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 winter holidays of 1945-46 must have been a jolly time for the Greatest Generation.
—
Joe Klein,
Washington Post,
11 June 2026
Jason Maddy disappears into multiple roles including the sleazy diner owner, the jolly Napa depot manager who pre-reads everyone’s mail and the wise doctor who treats Tony after a car accident.
—
Pam Kragen,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
7 June 2026
Adverb
But traders were cautious about jumping on a jolly bandwagon too soon.
—
Eleanor Pringle,
Fortune,
19 May 2026
Special props to the jolly axe-throwing head of adventure, Nye Rees; personable Brasserie maitre d’, Javier Padron; and trainer Peter Sullivan, who explained the finer points of fasting for women whilst crucifying my glutes.
—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
18 May 2026
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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Like most people, Sarnoski grew up with the light hearted stories of Robin Hood and his merry men.
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Our leads will be abandoning the mean streets of New York City for merry old London.
Adjective
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Bartlett’s posture is ramrod straight, his voice a pleasant, precise British lilt that’s nothing like his natural Australian accent.
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Dogs are welcome, and the shaded setting is a pleasant place to linger.
Adverb
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At age 34, this very well could be the final World Cup for the 2014 Golden Boot winner at the competition.
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Until very recently, children in West Texas public schools were punished, even beaten, for speaking Spanish; today bilingual education is thriving.
Verb
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Stickler may or may not have hinted about the end of the relationship in April, joking about an ex-boyfriend.
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In July 2024, Reynolds joked that he and Lively might not be done having kids, telling E!
Adjective
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For an extra festive touch, make adorable tomato ice cubes to garnish each glass.
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The game was dull, but that’s not to say the atmosphere wasn’t festive.
Adjective
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Perhaps because of this aesthetic of illusions, the earnest state pride evident in some of the pavilions turns out to feel especially delightful.
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Her nuanced portrayal gives the girl many layers, including a delightful determination.
Adverb
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That restraint also challenges the idea that sauvignon blanc must be extremely aromatic to be recognizable.
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Superconductors can carry electricity with zero resistance, but only at extremely low temperatures.
Adjective
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More of us are rediscovering the appeal of doing things the harder (though usually more enjoyable) way.
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Choosing snacks that are both healthy and appealing to kids can make snack time easier and more enjoyable.
Cite this Entry
“Jolly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/jolly. Accessed 1 Jul. 2026.
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